Education and Recess HOW DOES RECESS HELP IN THE CLASSROOM

The Demise of Recess  With the increase in academic performance pressure and core standards that have to be met at a younger age, our elementary children are loosing out on important free time.  Recess is so important to a child’s development socially, physically, and even Intellecutally.  But this time is slowly being taking away from elementary children.

What purpose does recess serve?  Recess meets a child’s social and emotional needs  Outlet for reducing stress  Builds Social Skills  Provides Solitary play time  Contributes to a child’s cognitive and intellectual needs  Encourages sense of wonder and creativity  Oxygen flow from exercise increases oxygen flow to the brain  Addresses a child’s physical needs  Physical movement necessary for proper development of motor skills and coordination  Explore types of active play  Encourages healthy habits

What happens when we take away recess?  Frustrated children  Outbursts  Behavior problems  Temper Tantrums  Learning problems  Fidgety  Lack of attention span  Out of seats  Daydreaming

What happens when we take away recess continued  Lack of Social Skills  Children do not learn how to socialize with their peers.  Do not learn how to function with a group  Lack of confidence  Delayed development  Coordination suffers  Physical skills do not develop  Lack of proper motor skills  Clumsy

Requirements vs. Common Practices State Requirements  According to the physical education state standards for Arkansas  In grades K-6 children only have to be able to participate in 60 minutes of physical edcuations druing the school week  Children only have to be able to participate in 90 minutes of physical activity a school week including recess. Common Practices  Most elementary schools in our area provide 30 minutes of recess a day  Most elementary schools in our area provide 40 minutes, twice a week for physical education.

Recess then  Most schools use to have an hour recess or at least two recesses a day.  In addition most schools had PE everyday, or if only a couple of days a week it was for an hour.  Even during class children use to go outside to learn.  Even older children had a free time to socialize.  In addition kindergarten students receive naps.  Also they had time to play inside as well.

Recess as a punishment  Educators today tend to punish children by taking away their recess.  This is not a good idea.  As mentioned earlier, children need unstructured play in order to develop appropriate skills.  Children with behavioral issues need recess more than anyone and they are the ones loosing it.  Some schools are taking away a teacher’s option to withhold recess.

Links between health issues and less recess.  Research states that children who receive recess are less fidgety on days when they had recess. It also showed that children worked more and/or fidgeted less on recess days, including children with attention deficit disorder (pathwaystofamilywellness)  The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends unstructured physical play as a developmentally appropriate means of reducing stress—a valuable benefit given that stress has a negative impact on learning and health. (Pathways)  Children do not engage in neighborhood socialization like they used to; therefore when the school day ends they may not have any other chance to socialize with children their age.  Lack of recess and physical education may also be a contributing factor in obesity.

What can we do?  As parents, we can advocate for our children.  Let the right people know that our children need more recess.  Let your school know.  Let your representatives know.  In the meantime, try and provide physical activity at home.  Encourage participation in outdoor activites.  Encourage participation at the recess and physical education time they have now.

What can we do continued  As teachers  Advocate for our parents  Provide movement in the classroom  Get your students up out of their chairs.  Try and get permission to do educational activities outside.  Encourage children to play, when they have the chance.  Talk to the right people.

Resources  Arkansas Department of Education   USA IPA   Pathways to Family Wellness  recess.html