The LiiNK Project

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Fort Worth, TX
The LiiNK Project

We aim to bridge the gap between academics and the social, emotional and healthy well-being of children through unstructured play and character development

The two aims of this study (recess and character development) are already showing some positive results in grades K & 1 through some pilot work being done in the private schools. We have known for a few years now that we should be engaging in more recess. More of the same (sitting in desks and doing more school work) will not change the results being seen in schools. This study will aid the admini

strators and teachers in their quest for stronger academics in children by bringing the fun back to learning, increasing the ability to focus/concentrate, and increase social responsibility (respect for self & others, honesty, etc).

05/29/2026

LiiNK research and Dr. Rhea were recently featured in an article in EdSurge, titled "Recess Took a Break in Some Schools. A Push is On to Bring It Back! The article also features some of our awesome colleagues who are fighting to increased required recess minutes in schools. Check it out here: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2026-05-27-recess-took-a-break-in-some-schools-a-push-is-on-to-bring-it-back

05/20/2026

New episode out now! The 115+ acres of the ⁠Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center⁠ (ILOLC) in Seguin, Texas have provided educational and recreational opportunities to Seguin ISD students and local families for decades. Once the ILOLC was acquired by the school district in 2023, it was a game changer for what the district could do moving forward capitalizing on the amazing resources provided for their students. In this season finale, Dr. Rhea sits down with Seguin ISD’s Pete Silvius (Director of Whole Child Initiatives), Lesli Mahaffey (Koennecke Principal) and Stephanie DuBose (Koennecke 3rd Grade Teacher) to share how they each played a role in creating science lab opportunities in nature at the ILOLC. They knew that content would be learned better through the hands-on experiences and have seen the children be much more inquisitive and disciplined during these awesome opportunities! Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/37ODYouA77h0Y5HU5JofFD?si=DtTQ8vnvR_S45TYphPKhrg

05/13/2026

New episode out now! The American Academy of Pediatrics has officially released an updated recess policy statement. So, what does this mean for parents, educators, and pediatricians? Dr. Rhea brings back co-authors of the statement, Drs. Robert Murray and Cathy Ramstetter, to share what is new in this statement compared to the 2013 statement, why these changes were made, and the vast library of evidence-based research that went into the updating process. This updated recess statement is vital to improving the health of our nation. Listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/37ODYouA77h0Y5HU5JofFD?si=DtTQ8vnvR_S45TYphPKhrg

You can read the full recess policy statement here: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2026-077025/207527/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School-Policy?autologincheck=redirected

05/07/2026

Join the movement! Screen-free week is happening now, but every week can be screen-free week! Not sure what to do with that extra time? Go outside and play of course!

05/06/2026

New episode out now! When life gives you lemons… you did notice the lemons, right? Opportunities for connection are right under our noses every day with each stranger we pass in the store or sit next to on a flight. The only way for those opportunities to flourish is for us to be open-minded and seek them out. In this second part of a 2-part series on purpose and productivity, Dr. Rhea explores the concept of synchronicity in our everyday lives and how we must recognize the possibility in every person we meet if we want to reach our full potential and purpose in life. Your life’s path doesn’t have to be a straight line; you just have to know when it’s time to make a turn. Listen to both parts now on Spotify, Apple, or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/37ODYouA77h0Y5HU5JofFD?si=DtTQ8vnvR_S45TYphPKhrg

04/30/2026

This weekend, Dr. Rhea is excited to be presenting at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens as part of their Early Childhood Impact Series! This is an event Dr. Rhea has been a part of for several years, discussing the importance of the outdoors to child whole health. This year's Impact Series brings together engaging guest speakers and interactive breakout sessions to deepen your understanding of environmental STEM and outdoor education tailored for young learners. Thank you for the ongoing collaboration !

04/29/2026

New episode out now! Work, dinner, sleep, repeat… Is it Friday yet? It’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset when you simply go through the motions of your day, especially if you find yourself in a role that doesn’t highlight your strengths or bring you joy. In this first part of a two-part series on purpose and productivity, Dr. Rhea walks us through a self-reflection exercise to see just how much our thoughts can impact our days, our weeks, and our lives. She discusses the importance of reflecting on each day and utilizing our natural character strengths to create a happier, more successful life. If you are unhappy with certain areas of your life, perhaps the change begins with you! Listen to part one now on Spotify, Apple, or here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/37ODYouA77h0Y5HU5JofFD?si=DtTQ8vnvR_S45TYphPKhrg

04/24/2026

Congratulations to LiiNK undergrad student, Sydney Thomas, for completing her honors presentation and participating in the Student Research Symposium showcasing her honors research project! Her project, "The Effects of Recess on Body Fat Percentages in Elementary-Aged Children", compared bio-electrical impedance analysis (body fat) percentage changes over the course of the school year for children receiving different amounts of recess breaks. Sydney will graduate in May with honors, receiving her B.S. in Movement Science. 👏

04/23/2026

ANOTHER NEW LiiNK PUBLICATION! Dr. Debbie Rhea, along with TCU's Dr. Yan Zhang and two of LiiNK's doctoral graduates, explored the use of a German-originated motor coordination test, known as the KTK, in U.S. physical education classes. This study shows promise for the KTK to determine motor control and postural balance of US children. Read the full article here:https://liinkproject.tcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rhea_Campbell-Pierre-et-al-2026-KTK-fidelity-JOHPL.pdf

04/22/2026

NEW LiiNK PUBLICATION! TCU Master’s graduate, Lauren Wagner, with the help of Dr. Rhea, other KINE TCU faculty, and another Master's graduate, explored the relationships between muscular strength, neuromuscular control, and resilience among children receiving the LiiNK recess intervention. Read the full article here:https://liinkproject.tcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Frontiers-in-Pediatrics-Wagner-et-al-2026-Relationships-among-MS-NC-Res.pdf

Address

Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX

Telephone

+18172577685

Website

http://liinkproject.tcu.edu/

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