What are the cons of recess?

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.

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.

What are the problems with recess?

Do students need recess pros and cons?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued the policy statement “The Crucial Role of Recess in School” to make recommendations to schools, and its stance is unequivocal: “Recess offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it.

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.

Why have schools cut recess time?

Can recess be bad for students?

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.

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.

Is recess important or a waste of time?

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.

Why recess is better than PE?

Having a long recess period gives students time to engage in creative play, practice life skills, and regulate physical activity. And PE doesn't count. The CDC says PE does not have the same benefits because the playtime is structured.

Are kids happier with recess?

Students tend to be more attentive and better able to perform cognitively especially after recess. Fun and physical activities with family and friends in a supportive environment give children the sense that they've achieved something new. They feel happy.

Does recess distract students?

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.

Why kids shouldn't miss recess?

On top of the health benefits, recess also enhances creative thinking, focus, and social skills like cooperation and sharing.

How does recess affect students mental health?

Research clearly shows the benefits of recess for children. Consistent, predictable recess time – even more than once a day – helps children reduce stress, form social connections at school and get their brains more ready to learn.

How does recess affect social skills?

Play is vital in building kids' emotional and social skills, especially in unstructured play sessions like recess. These play settings give students a place where they can practice social skills with their peers in real-time, allowing them to develop essential skills like: Collaboration. Communication.

Why are so many students getting hurt at recess?

Seventy percent of all school injuries occur during recess or physical education. A review of injury data has revealed that the lack of proper supervision is considered a “contributing factor in playground injuries over 40% of the time”.

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 reduce energy?

Proponents of recess say that young students are more focused and are better listeners after they've had time to get rid of their pent-up energy during recess. According to the CDC, the physical activity typically involved in recess improves their attention, memory, and concentration.

Can recess reduce stress?

Recess reduces stress

The physical activity kids take part in during recess can also reduce stress levels and allow children to feel more relaxed. In an education system that continues to place higher expectations on children to perform to a certain standard, less stress is just what the doctor ordered.

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 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.

Does recess help kids socialize?

Recess provides a much-needed break (for students and teachers). It helps manage stress, promotes social skills, and allows for physical exercise. It also helps with creativity, and builds skills like cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving.

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.

Should students go outside for recess?

It's one part of their school day that's within their control — they can play with their friends, be creative, and take a break from studying. However, recess is more than just a fun break. Regular outdoor play is integral in a student's development and often leads to improved academic performance inside the classroom.

Why does middle school start so early?

Districts often stagger start times for elementary, middle, and high schools to allow for multiple busing runs, lessen traffic congestion, and allow caregivers to drop off children at different schools. If high schools are starting later, it likely means that elementary and/or middle schools must start earlier.