Recess is Great For Kids

I remember growing up when someone would ask “what’s your favorite subject” kids would quickly reply recess. In a way recess really is a subject of its own, this is a place where children get to be who they want from day to day, deal with their own little drama, have crushes, etc. This is also very much like a sociology/P.E. class, with children running from one place to another, jogging, skipping, jumping rope, standing in lines, etc. 

Believe it or not, recess is actually good for children, but there are people that want to stop it.

Many would argue this is just some fun moment for the kids that they really don’t need during study hour. However upon closer examination it might be noticed that children that don’t get recess or get a “controlled recess” they seem to begin acting out later in the day. I know this as my oldest went through it when he was in the 3rd grade. The teacher at the time actually punished the entire class when there was noise and do a “teacher-led recess.”  Since it is not quite legal to not allow children a recess she would have them walk around the playground for all but 2-5 minutes of it, at which point they’d quickly be released and then they’d head back to class. This same teacher couldn’t understand later why I objected to her labeling my son with ADD or ADHD after telling me about not allowing children a recess. Hmm, you tell me?  Children need to be outside, or at least able to have a few moments of free time to run, talk, etc.

There are some schools that have actually went ahead and done away with ‘recess’ and have stated it interferes with learning time. I don’t think many are thinking about how long a child is actually in school. My own children get on the bus at 8 and don’t come home until 4 p.m., most people get paid for being away from the house this long. Children just want a bit of alone time, play time, a time they can call their own. Teachers get a break and can collect their thoughts, children get exercise and everyone comes back happy.

Do you think recess is needed? Keep in mind everyone is shouting there are too many children with or becoming obese. To take out the one thing children thrive to do, would only hurt them.   Sure there is always P.E. class but sometimes a child hates being told what to do, even if they do enjoy it, at least this way they are still having fun and going right back to class.