Kids and Recess: What's the Balance?

Parents and educators alike can agree that kids need time to play outside. Outside play stimulates both the mind and the body, promotes better attention and focus in the classroom, and gives kids a much-needed outlet to release energy. But unfortunately, educators have the burden of squeezing in a near-impossible amount of learning expectations into an already-abbreviated school day. In fact, a 2005 survey from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 7% of first-graders and 8% of third-graders had never had recess; while 14% of first-graders and 15% of third-graders only had 1 to 15 minutes per day of recess. So it's a difficult balance to provide students, particularly at the lower elementary grades, with the right balance of recess and classroom time. Several schools in Texas received national media attention earlier this year for their approach to recess. In Fort Worth, TX, Eagle Mountain Elementary School began offering recess 4 times per day, for 15 minute intervals each. The results were extremely positive - from more focus in the classroom, to better ability to listen and follow directions, and fewer discipline issues. The author of the Today article adds:

The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees, calling recess "a crucial and necessary component of a child's development." Studies show it offers important cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits, yet many schools are cutting down on breaks to squeeze in more lessons, which may be counterproductive, it warns.

So what can you do to help ensure your child gets the right balance of outside play and classroom engagement? Encourage your school administrators to offer more recess and physical activity time. Offer extracurricular opportunities to your kids to play and exercise. Help your kids strike that balance of building the brain and the body simultaneously. The results may astound you!