Recess: An Essential Part of the School Day

Recess is an essential part of children’s school days that can help set students up for success once they head back to the classroom, a new study suggests. Art by Clker

Yet, many schools are cutting back on recess or not offering quality recess time. This may have unintended negative consequences, the Stanford University researchers cautioned.

“Recess isn’t normally considered part of school climate, and often is shortchanged in tight fiscal times, but our research shows that [recess] can be a critical contributor to positive school climate in low-income elementary schools,” study co-author Milbrey McLaughlin, the founding director of Stanford’s John W. Gardner Center, said in a university news release.

When planned well, recess can boost attendance as well as academic performance, the research showed. It can also help kids make friends, learn how to resolve conflicts and gain a more positive outlook about learning, particularly for those in low-income schools, the study’s authors noted. High-quality recess can also curb bullying among students, according to the researchers.

Trained, full-time coaches were sent to six low income elementary schools to improve their recess programs. The coaches, teachers and principal from each school were interviewed. The researchers also conducted student focus groups and observed recess periods. They compared their findings to other schools with a variety of programs ranging from poor to very good.

The study revealed that good recess programs rely on adult supervision and guidance. Conflicts can arise when children do not agree on games and rules.



“This analysis points to a new framing for how a high-quality recess can positively contribute to a school’s climate,” the study authors wrote.

The importance of play or recess time for children is already recognized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which views this time in the school day as essential for kids’ well-being.

My Take:
One of my fondest memories from elementary school is when one of the teachers would organize a game of kick ball during recess. The study has merit.

However, the health aspects of recess are huge and commonly overlooked in the U.S. today. Young children, especially young boys, need some physical activity during the school day in order to be able to focus in the classroom.

I believe that all boys are inherently hyperactive and suffer from ADHD at some point. The dramatic rise in the incidence of ADHD has two major factors. The first is that we now recognize it as a “disease” and apply the label. The second is that we foster an environment where video games and television have replaced play time.

One hundred years ago, when we were a nation of farmers, children performed several hours of chores prior to walking to school. During the school day they had two recess periods and lunch as a reprieve from the demands of the classroom. That hyperactivity was diminished by the physical exertion and allowed students to focus in the classroom.

The Bottom Line:
We think of exercise as something you go and do at the gym. Physical activity should be an integral aspect of daily living, like talking and eating. Encourage schools to improve their recess programs rather than disband them.

Source: March 18, 2015 National Institutes of Health