Do Elementary Students Need Recess?

It is understood that when the term “recess” is mentioned in the school setting, it refers to, “a break time or period.” The question around recess is, “Do Elementary Students Need Recess?” Researchers say that studies show that breaks are essential for satisfaction and alertness. They discuss the brain needing downtime to recollect memory formation at various periods during the day. Based on research, the benefits of recess are linked to learning, social development and a child’s health. Studies from pediatricians show that recess helps with creativity and imagination.

There are many pros and cons regarding the subject of recess in the elementary school setting. Many schools are cutting or trimming recess time for students due to the stresses of the students excelling on standardized tests. As a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, standards is the number one priority in the U.S. schools today, therefore many school administrators feel that students need to prepare by spending more time on academic subjects. One observation made is that the abolishment of free-time/recess during school time is the result of international competition. There are some teachers/parents that have voiced no elimination or cut backs, they expressed the need of students to break for exercise, socialize and relax their minds to do better. The oppositions are some teachers/parents express the need to abolish recess for safety and over-activity reasons.

We live in a country where almost 20% of our children are overweight and many are diagnosed with (labeled) ADD or ADHD. A majority of children go home to no physical activity, only TV, video games and food. It appears that outside activity, through recess at school should not be such a big question or a bad idea.