Recess is a regularly scheduled period in the school day for physical activity and play that is monitored by trained staff or volunteers. During recess, students are encouraged to be physically active and engaged with their peers in activities of their choice, at all grade levels, kindergarten through 12th grade. Recess is an important part of the school day, as it offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it. Here are some key points about recess in schools:
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Purpose: Recess provides children with the opportunity to exert energy in a healthy way and take a break from the structure and expectations of school. It is a time for students to engage in physical activity, socialize with peers, and develop important skills such as communication, negotiation, cooperation, sharing, problem-solving, perseverance, self-control, and conflict resolution.
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Length: The length of recess is rarely mandated at the state level, and it can vary from school to school. In some schools, it’s as short as 15 minutes, while in others it lasts up to 45 minutes.
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Importance: Recess plays a critical role in the mental, physical, emotional, and academic development of children. Research shows that kids need this supervised free time to move and socialize in order to process their emotions and what they’re learning in class. Recess also helps students stay on-task in the classroom, reduces disruptive behavior, and improves their memory, attention, and concentration.
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Punishment: Taking away recess as a punishment is on the decline, as it can lead to worse behavior and academic performance). However, some schools still implement this policy for students who have behavioral issues or incomplete work).
In summary, recess is a scheduled period in the school day for physical activity and play that is monitored by trained staff or volunteers. It is an important part of the school day that provides cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits to students.
