Give The Kid A Break!

All day long kids are expected to sit still, be quiet, and stay on task.  To a child these things can be difficult to do for long periods of time.  During a school day children need a break from the traditional lessons and a chance to just play.

Research supports that kids benefit in cognitive, social-emotional, and of course in physical ways from play time.  

Research also shows that children who get breaks and play time:

-Are less fidgety and are more on task.

-Have improved memory and more focused attention.

-Develop more brain connections.

-Learn negotiation skills.

-Exercise leadership, teach games, take turns, learn to resolve conflicts.

-Are more likely to be physically active before and after school.

So with benefits like these why on earth would schools be taking this time away from their students?  There are a few simple reasons.  Recess takes time out of the school day.  The trend of decreasing recess time began in the late 80's and has accelerated under the pressures of No Child Left Behind.  The pressure for schools to increase their standardized test scores has schools looking for ways to cram as much educational time into a school day as possible.  However, is it better to take 20 minutes out of the day to let kids take a break, and have them more attentive for the rest of the time?  Or better to teach all day long with no interruptions, but have restless inattentive students?  Imagine your employer telling you that you must work the day straight through, no down time, no relaxing, no fun.  Kids need to like school in order to want to excel in it.  Over working a child causes anxiety and frustration, and in the long run it could make that child not want to learn anymore.  

Some schools also cut recess due to its cost.  Jungle gyms are not cheap, and neither is maintaining them so they remain safe.  However there are other alternatives to expensive school yard set ups.  Blacktop can be painted with games and activities for kids to play one.  Jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, and a basketball hoop can all be added to a section of blacktop for a relatively low cost.  This would still give kids a chance to explore and play.  Some schools have hired a "recess coach" who actually guides the play time so that it keeps all the kids safe and active.  This is an option, however it sort of crushes the kids freedom and chance to explore and simply enjoy not being told exactly what to be doing for a while.  

Kids need to be kids.  So give them a break!

Here is some of the debate for your viewing pleasure.