CASE STUDY
new playground, Cambridge Elementary Magnet saw a
FACT: By adding a
behavior-related problems and a more
productive classroom .
decrease in
It’s not uncommon for students to have some behavior- related problems while in school, especially if they are unsure of what is expected of them. When punishment is the only reaction, children are not able to learn the necessary skills to make positive changes. To improve school safety and promote positive behavoir, Cambridge Elementary Magnet in Coco, Fla. became a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) school in 2009. The school was recognized as a PBIS Silver Level Model School the following year for their proficiency at implementing PBIS.
Not only does recess have great physical benefits for children, it encourages social and emotional development and results in a more productive classroom.
Our SRP Certified Partner Advanced Recreational Concepts worked with the school to create a playground catered to the students’ developmental needs as well as their coastal environmental needs with corrosion-resistant recycled material. Children perform better in the classroom when they are able to play in an unstructured social environment. Research shows that children have optimal cognitive ability when they’re able to take a break from the classroom. Recess offers children time to engage and interact with each other. These interactions help children develop social and emotional skills. Research shows that children learn valuable communication skills including negotiation, cooperation, sharing, and problem solving while playing. Our recycled playgrounds are made from reclaimed post- consumer plastic products like milk jugs. It’s resistant to vandalism, corrosion, rotting, splitting, salt spray, marine borers, termites, oil, and fungus. It also looks and feels like wood without the unwanted maintenance. Additionally, our recycled material is manufactured with UV additives in order to prevent fading.
“It is a behavior program that aims to focus on awarding positive behavior and de-emphasizing corrective action for negative behavior,” Bookkeeper Christene Branham said.
PBIS strives to promote prevention over punishment. With this proactive approach, schools teach students positive behavior strategies. Their goal is to teach students those behaviors will have a positive impact on their academics and social lives. While this is done in the classroom, it’s also reinforced by having dedicated recess time for all students. “The new playground helped solve behavior problems and has more room for children to play. It’s contributed for a more productive classroom and the children are more cooperative when playing together,” Branham said.
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