The Importance of Recess

Many time if you ask a young student what their favorite part of school is, they will answer with "recess". However, in many cases, with the need to raise test scores, many schools have been cutting recess and physical education time. Current studies have shown that this can be detrimental to students. Some go as far as to say that cutting recess leads to obesity in students. There are also suggestions that lack of physical activity decreases brain function. Another argument is that not having recess hurts the students' social networking. In my recent Ed 115 placement I worked in a setting where the Elementary aged students received one 20 minute recess each day. This in my opinion is simply not enough for young children. I have also heard from a classmate of mine that in the First Grade that she was placed in did not receive a single recess all day. This is unacceptable. Children need to have time to move, play, and explore their environments. School needs to promote healthy living, which includes physical activity. Schools are spending far too much time worrying about the scores of testing rather than worrying about the welfare of their students. Testing should not be priority one at all times in regards to the well being of students. Recess needs to be viewed as an important part of the day. It is a time for much needed physical activity, a break from the schoolwork, and finally a time to socialize and build friendships.