Abstract

It is common knowledge the way that children spend their leisure time affects their cognitive and social development. Children’s extra curricular activities not only reflects their “inner world” (ways of thinking, emotions, problems, wishes and interests)but also their socioeconomic status and family affairs. The aim of this study is to record and examine the out of school activities, as well as the disposition of leisure time, of indigenous pupils and immigrants attending Greek elementary schools. It also enqires into whether demographic and socio-economic factors of elementary pupils’ parents have an influence on leisure time activities. In addition, the study explores pupils’ gender in relation to leisure time activities. A sample of 432 Greek pupils and 440 immigrants from 10 primary schools took part in the study. Implications concerning teaching in teacher diversity education are also discussed.