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Recess is Important
Researchers have recently found that recess helps solve behavioral problems in class. Analysis of data on 11,000 third graders showed that students who had at least 15 minutes of daily recess scored better on teachers’ behavioral ratings than students who did not.
It certainly appears that students at this grade level need the opportunity for a break from the classroom routine, during which time they can release energy and interact socially. This finding certainly speaks against punishing misbehaving students by keeping them inside during recess. It also speaks against a disturbing trend in which new schools are being built without adequate outdoor space for students.
Do you think this finding extends to older students? Let us know your thoughts and experiences regarding recess.
I teach PE in an elementary school in Illinois. I’m lucky because we have a large grass field that is kept up well. It bothers me that some new schools will have limited space for kids to play. I think some of the stimulus money should go for that.
In my 6th grade year our teachers decided to take away recess, to mentally prepare us for Junior High School. Instead of recess, we were forced to do silent fire drills and other “team building” exercises, which made my entire 6th grade year miserable.
I believe that recess is a great outlet for excess energy, as well as an important time for students to socialize, and it should be retained.