Time for Recess! September "09

It is a disturbing trend.  Across the country many elementary and middle schools are eliminating recess.  Most often, the reason given is the need to squeeze more academic time into the school day.  As the mandates of state testing place increased pressures on schools and teachers, recess has often become a casualty.  A second reason for the trend, although not often acknowledged, is that unstructured recess time inevitably leads to heightened discipline problems.

What is most upsetting about the move to eliminate recess is that it is not in the best interests of children.  Intuitively, we all know that children need a break from the academic rigors of school and that play is a natural, necessary part of growing up.  In addition, the research is clear about the benefits of recess.  Recent studies in The Journal of Neuroscience and the Journal of School Health and Pediatrics “suggest a strong link between activity and students’ ability to learn.”¹  These studies validate a clear relationship between physical activity and improved behavior, cognitive control (ability to pay attention) and academic performance.  A further benefit of recess is that it gives children the opportunity to learn to play with others without all the rules and structure that accompany sports and other adult- directed activities.  After all, where else do children have the chance to learn these important social skills?

At Chapin, we believe in recess.  The research is clear and, even if it wasn’t, we know that children need to play, to exercise and to spend free time with their friends.  Recess remains an important part of each student’s day at Chapin.  And that’s just the way we like it!

¹ Ideas & Perspectives, ISM, September 7, 2009.

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