Investigators studied whether a systematically designed recreation program stressing cooperation and interaction among mentally retarded adults would increase the duration and frequency of social contacts. While the program did increase the frequency of social interactions, effects did not carry over after it ended. (Author/PP)

Research suggests that after-school programs reduce juvenile crime and risky behavior; increase confidence, academic performance, and social skills; and build positive adult-child and home-school relationships. The need for supervised after-school activities, especially in poor neighborhoods; the characteristics of successful programs; and the…

Empirical research on the role of school recess is reviewed. Effects of child-level and school-level variables on recess behavior and the impact of recess on classroom behavior and social and cognitive competence are discussed. It is concluded that recess has important educational and developmental implications. (SLD)