Should schools have recess pros and cons?

Recess is a critical time for children, a time for play that can benefit both their behavior and academics. But it isn't joyful for all children. Without the right oversight and planning, recess can be stressful for some kids, especially for those who are shy, anxious or targeted by bullying.

Should students have recess pros and cons?

Recess is necessary for young students and when it is taken away, the students show the major consequences. Recent studies have shown that a break for physical activity during the school day is more beneficial to test scores than not having a time outside the room.

What are the negative effects of recess?

On the contrary, recess time can also be a breeding ground for bullying, name-calling, and aggressive behaviours, which can have detrimental effects on our youth. It is crucial that we recognize the true realities, such as bullying, that take place on our school grounds each day.

Do kids do better in school if they have recess?

In that same report, 8-in-10 principals acknowledged that time to play has a “positive impact on achievement,” and two-thirds of principals stated that “students listen better after recess and are more focused in class.”

What would happen if there was no recess?

A study on fourth graders found that students were more focused and less fidgety if they had recess. Teachers aren't only punishing their students when they take away recess — they're punishing themselves by filling their classroom with inattentive, unfocused, and hyperactive students.

Is School Worth It?

Is recess harmful or helpful?

Recess benefits students by: Increasing their level of physical activity. Improving their memory, attention, and concentration. Helping them stay on-task in the classroom.

Do kids really need recess?

Recess is super important for students. It's not just a break from class – it's a chance for kids to play, socialize, and recharge their brains. Right now, many schools only have a short recess, but we should aim for longer ones.

Is recess important or a waste of time?

But studies show that at least 20 minutes of recess daily, along with 150 minutes of physical education a week, make a measurable difference in children's weight. Beyond the physical benefits, recess is important for kids emotionally and cognitively.

Should students lose recess?

Recess should not be withheld as punishment

Recess should be approached with the same importance as other learning opportunities. Alternatives for withholding recess as punishment include: Focus on positive rewards rather than punishment, such as offering extra recess for good behavior.

Does recess help kids calm down?

Recess helps kids relax. Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain that helps kids reduce anxiety. They can take a break from a difficult lesson and revisit the concept after clearing their minds on the playground.

Why recess should be eliminated?

In addition to the idea that eliminating recess can provide additional time that teachers can use to improve students' academic performance, some schools have eliminated recess for liability reasons. They are concerned about the injuries and lawsuits that can arise from outdoor play.

How does recess affect grades?

According to the CDC, the physical activity typically involved in recess improves their attention, memory, and concentration. This also helps them stay on task in the classroom, which can be a struggle for young students.

Why have schools cut recess?

But there is also evidence that recess time is being cut short all over the country for reasons unrelated to weather. Schools report that recess has been cut back to reallocate time for academic learning. In addition, withholding recess is commonly used as a punishment or tool to drive desired behavioral outcomes.

Why recess is better than PE?

But, because it is unstructured, recess also has a great deal more to offer young children. Physical education is organized and planned. It is an instructional program in which children are expected to participate in specific activities and achieve certain results.

How does recess reduce stress?

The physical activity and social connection that take place at recess help children's brains work and develop properly by lowering their levels of stress, regulating their nervous system and allowing them to be more engaged once back in the classroom.

What grade do you lose recess?

Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 291 into law last week, making a half-hour of recess mandatory for all elementary school students from kindergarten through eighth grade in the state. The new law will also prohibit educators from withholding recess as a form of punishment.

Is taking away recess as punishment for ADHD?

First, kids with ADHD are the kids who need recess the most. Second, taking recess away as punishment is not effective. If the goal is to have a child with ADHD complete their classwork more efficiently, taking away recess will not motivate them to work more quickly.

Should recess be longer than 20 minutes?

According to Eric Jensen's book Teaching With the Brain in Mind, "A short recess arouses students and may leave them 'hyper' and less able to concentrate." Children benefit from an extended recess session (approximately an hour in length), because it gives their bodies time to regulate the movement and bring their ...

Does recess help your brain?

Studies have found that recess benefits students by improving their memory and attention, helping them stay on topic in class, reducing their disruptive behavior, and improving their social development, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How can recess be bad for students?

Without the right oversight and planning, recess can be stressful for some kids, especially for those who are shy, anxious or targeted by bullying. “Students may come back from recess feeling dissatisfied …

Why is recess better before lunch?

“Recent research, however, finds there are many benefits if recess is scheduled before lunch, including decreased food waste, increased consumption of nutrients, fewer discipline problems on the playground or lunchroom, and an improved learning atmosphere.”

Should kids have 30 minutes of recess?

As such, the Centers for Disease Control recommend at least 20 min of daily recess in elementary schools.

Should adults have recess?

Recess is not just for kids. If we are to stay focused and energized as we learn new material, we must step away from our screens and talk to other people. The human, in-person interaction is a pivotal yet often overlooked part of our learning process.

Should recess be banned?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is “crucial and necessary” for a child's development and should never be withheld to make room for more academics or as punishment. On top of the health benefits, recess also enhances creative thinking, focus, and social skills like cooperation and sharing.

Is recess a privilege or a right?

Because recess is important of physical and mental health. It is not a privilege—it's a right.