Volume 14, 2025

Exploring the Influence of Recess and Diverse Play Environment Resources on Primary School Pupils Behaviour in Eti-Osa Primary Schools

Nneka E. NWAOKEAFOR, Casimir I. EKWERIKE & Obumneke C. EKWERIKE

Abstract

Recess is a special time to free the learners' minds from the burden of learning. It is a critical period in the school timetable
as it aids the learner's ability to comprehend. Thus, if it is not effectively utilised, there is the tendency of it having a ripple
effect in the pupils' behaviour and performance. This study examined the inuence of recess and play environment on
primary school pupils' behaviour in Eti-Osa Local Government Area. Two research questions were raised and their
corresponding hypotheses tested for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted and a sample size of
103 teachers in the selected ve schools in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State was drawn out of the 1,500
teachers target population, using a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive analysis (percentages, and
frequencies tables) and inferential analysis (Pearson Correlation) were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that
pupils' readiness for recess time have signicant inuence on primary school pupils behaviour in Eti-Osa Local
Government Area; and play environment have no signicant inuence on primary school pupils behaviour in Eti-Osa
Local Government Area. The study concluded that recess time is essential, and pupils should never be alienated from it.
Recommendations were made amongst which are that recess should be taken seriously like other academic programmes
as it has great inuence on the pupils' behaviour in general including academic performance; parents should encourage
and supervise their wards' play environment to ensure safety, a positive mindset and mental balance among learners.

Keywords

Academic performance, Play environment, Pupils' readiness, Recess period.

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