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Recess Helps Kids Learn (don't take it away!)

I feel in my bones the pressure on teachers. More and more is asked of teachers these days, and heaps of pressure is placed squarely on their shoulders. My upcoming book, Why Great Teachers Quit, will address this among many other concerns facing teachers today.

But having children skip recess should not be part of the solution. I must admit I am guilty of this sometimes. This new article posted at the New York Times health blog, Well, shares information about a new study proving the importance of recess in the behavior, academic success and the health of children.

“New research suggests that play and down time may be as important to a child’s academic experience as reading, science and math, and that regular recess, fitness or nature time can influence behavior, concentration and even grades.”

and an alarming number of children are not getting recess:

“And many children are not getting that break. In the Pediatrics study, 30 percent were found to have little or no daily recess. Another report, from a children’s advocacy group, found that 40 percent of schools surveyed had cut back at least one daily recess period.

Also, teachers often punish children by taking away recess privileges. That strikes Dr. Barros as illogical. ‘Recess should be part of the curriculum,’ she said. ‘You don’t punish a kid by having them miss math class, so kids shouldn’t be punished by not getting recess.'”

I’m hearing that loud and clear. When I’m tempted to use this time with a student, I’ll remember this article. All kids can benefit physically, mentally and academically (the one we can sometimes forget-) from getting outside and playing. That’s what I want for my students and my own children!

image: DSC08778 by echoforsberg on Flickr under Creative Commons

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Comments

  1. Kimberly Herbert says

    February 27, 2009 at 8:54 am

    In the interest of bringing our test scores up my new Principal DOUBLED the amount of recess our kids get, bought new basket ball hoops (old ones were stolen), and each grade now has a bag of recess toys (balls, jumping rope, chalk).

    You go out now and almost every child is out playing. I get the kids that can’t play for medical reasons which is pretty much the only reason a child doesn’t go to recess.

    Our coach plays music during games. Those on the sidelines waiting their turn line dance, or do positive cheers.

    A positive administration makes a huge difference.

    Reply
  2. JMS says

    February 27, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    I work at a Pre-K through 5 elementary school. We do not have a playground, nor do we have “recess” time. The only time you can take your students outside is at the end of the school year after the standardized state test is over. It’s horrible.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Baby Essentials That Aren’t, Part 6: Baby Brain Boosters : Eco Child’s Play says:
    March 2, 2009 at 8:51 am

    […] rather than through practical experience and free play — has become so all-encompassing that schools are cutting recess, and the age for beginning institutionalized schooling keeps dropping (despite the […]

    Reply
  2. Neuroscience Supports Natural Parenting says:
    December 14, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    […] hour a day of light exercise builds neurons in humans of any age.  Children need to be outside.  Schools need to maintain recess and physical education programs.  After school, children need to run around outside and […]

    Reply

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About Eco Child’s Play

Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

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