By: Paula Perkins and Courtney Simpkins

Recess Recess is a time for students to unwind, play, and release built up energy that is accumulated throughout the school day.

Why is recess being taken out of schools? The talk about recess has been a big issue lately. Some schools already have dismissed recess in the daily schedule. This is all due to the fact of test scores and learning. Administrators believe that students should be more focused on learning and recess is just a waste of useful time.

What happens if children do not get to participate in recess or physical activities? Without any kind of physical activity, children are higher risk of becoming obese. Children tend to fidget Children become inattentive Children tend to have difficulty concentrating

Why should we fight to keep recess in schools? Kids learn better when they get breaks. Kids learn communication skills such as negotiation, cooperation, problem-solving and sharing through play. Recess allows children physical activity, which by AAP recommendations is 1 hour per day. Kids just need the chance to be kids.

R.E.C.E.S.S Richly Richly Enhancing our Enhancing our Children’s Children’s Education by Education by Sharing Sharing Skills Skills So let’s fight to keep RECESS in our schools and our children healthy and happy!

References McCarthy, C. (2013). Children need recess-and schools need help. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from md/recess_b_ htmlhttp:// md/recess_b_ html Fuller, L. (2002). Recess before lunch. National Education Association. Retrieved from Pellegrini, A.D., Bohn, C.M. (2005). The Role of Recess in Children’s Cognitive Performance and School Adjustment. Educational Researcher. Retrieved from Rochman, B. (2012). Yay for Recess: Pediatricians say it’s as important as math or reading. Family Matters. Retrieved from pediatricians-say-its-as-important-as-math-or-reading/ pediatricians-say-its-as-important-as-math-or-reading/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between school based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Retrieved from