Friday, June 5, 2009

Don't Do Away With Recess

As schools are doing anything possible to pass state tests and raise test scores, recess time seems to be dwindling and some schools have even done away with it altogether. Schools in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and Connecticut have eliminated recess, and new schools are being built without playgrounds! I find this very upsetting and I am still searching for research that indicates a correlation between canceling recess and raised test scores. I believe students need a break in school and actually perform better when given the chance to excise. Obviously these administrators have forgotten that running around increases blood flow and oxygen consumption, which helps to stimulate the brain and increase functioning. Kids need to have time to play and socialize; it is part of their nature. Recess is the perfect environment for these interactions because there is supervision and if a child has a problem, an adult, usually a teacher, is around to mediate. Let’s also keep in mind that childhood obesity is getting worse, and too many parents and children consider playing video games and watching television types of “play”.

There is lots of research that supports the idea that recess is invaluable, and most teachers will agree that it is a necessity for everyone’s sanity. Last year I worked at a suburban school that was one of the top performing schools in the state of Illinois. Everyday the students, grade K-3, got 3 recess breaks. There was a 15 minute morning recess, then a 25 minute lunch recess, and then another 15 minute afternoon recess. The students knew the routine and would always come back from each recess refreshed and energetic. However, they were able to settle down immediately and get right to work. This experience has made me a believer in the power of recess as an educational tool.

Here is an interesting article about recess if you are looking for more information - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html?_r=1&em
Blogs to check out on the importance of recess:
http://readersareleaders1.blogspot.com/
http://mrpullen.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/the-importance-of-recess/

3 comments:

  1. I also think that the elimination of recess is ludicrous, especially at the elementary level. It amazes me that administrators could possibly think that think that taking away recesses, and cooping children up all day could be beneficial to the learning process. As stated above, there is physical proof that movement and exercise promotes brain function, consequently promoting student learning and retainment . In addition to recess being beneficial to educational achievement, it helps combat childhood obesity, which has turned into a national epidemic. The school district that I attended as a child valued recess and continued it for all students until high school. I can remember in middle school (grades 6-8) being forced to go outside after lunch for about 15 mins or so. Even if we just stood around outside, we were able to get some fresh air and socialization time.

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  2. I too agree that the elimination of recess is ridiculous, and at it's simplest, this is why....LET KIDS MOVE!!! Let them play, let them learn from one another, let them explore and talk, and most of all get them comfortable with creating their own routine and structure! When will we realize this and make it a priority?!?

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  3. When all the research shows that people learn best through play - it is crazy to remove play from scools. As you said, obesity rates are rising in America, and children's health should really be a bigger priority than their test scores.

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