The Importance of Recess

Far too many schools are eliminating recess as a way to fit in additional classroom instruction. According to the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists, located within the State Departments of Education, at least 40% of the schools in the United States have eliminated or drastically shortened children's recess time. Is this the path that parents want schools taking? While the government demands more testing to prove today's children are receiving a top-notch education, recess, music, arts, and even lunch times are being shortened to pathetic levels. This has to stop!

Meanwhile, the government is fighting a new trend--childhood obesity. Importance has been taken away from promoting physical activity during the day. Instead, children are being forced to sit on hard plastic chairs for hours at a time. Doctors state people should get away from their office chairs and computers by stretching their legs every half hour. Why are children being ignored? Few classrooms allow children to leave their desks regularly and run or walk around the class to stretch their legs.

Article 31 of the U.N. Convention on Children's Rights clearly states that children have the right to free or leisure time. If your school district is attempting to cut recess, they are going against this very basic U.N. article. It is not right!

Daily physical activity offers many benefits:

Ÿ Increased body awareness because a child is regularly using the different muscle groups

Ÿ Lowered risk of heart disease due to regular activity

Ÿ Lowered risk of obesity due to regular activity

Ÿ Better grades on tests occur with a break away from the classroom

Ÿ Lessened risk of high blood pressure due to regular exercise

Ÿ Healthier resting and active pulse rates due to regular activity

Ÿ Better levels of self-esteem are gained by having children playing interactively

Ÿ Immune system works more effectively at fighting off viruses because children are getting out of germ-filled classrooms and getting fresh air

Ÿ Lung ailments are lessened due to oxygen intake

Ÿ Muscle tone is increased by playing on playground equipment

Ÿ Classroom behavior is improved because children are releasing energy and stress

Ÿ Children learn to follow rules with group activities like "Red Rover" or other group games

Ÿ Self-discipline skills are learned during group activities

Ÿ Blood flow to the brain is increased which improves test scores and memory retention

Ÿ An intrigue in science/nature is developed by spending time outdoors

Ÿ Children learn how to interact with their peers during group activities and free play

Ÿ Cholesterol levels decrease courtesy of the increased activity

With so many potential benefits, how can people truly feel that reducing recess is a good answer? It is time to stop focusing so much on tests as a means to gauging a child's intelligence and allow them to go back to being children and not machines.

Perhaps it is not the lack of activity at home that is hurting many children; maybe it is the fact that children are spending eight-hour days sitting at a desk working on math and reading skills. Recess is important and needs to continue being an integral part of your child's day.