Reconsidering recess
Does recess need to be rescued? That’s the premise behind the “Rescuing Recess” campaign initiated by several organizations, including the National PTA and Cartoon Network. Some schools are prohibiting recess activities that are seen as too competitive or aggressive–like dodgeball or even tag, The New York Times says; other schools have dropped recess because they need more class time to cover mandated academic areas. Rescuing Recess argues that a break for students can be just as integral to success at school. The PTA says, “…Kids need an outlet to blow off steam, learn to interact with others and get the exercise they need.”
Where do you stand on recess? Tell us what you think.
December 18th, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Absolutely the students need recess. PE every day is just another class for them. The students do not have time to develop those social skills, let alone the thought of actually ‘getting their wiggles out.’ They are required to sit still and at academic attention for 5-1/2 hours a day. How many adults do that in their day without losing interest and wandering to the ‘water cooler’?
December 18th, 2007 @ 11:00 am
An administrator from Ohio writes:
“Younger students absolutely need recess for at least ½ hour per day, plus lunch. It should give time for supervised, unstructured play. Rules should be realistic and age appropriate. One of the problems today is that many children’s lives are so highly structured and scheduled or the reverse, in turmoil, that recess can be problematical. We need to work out the problems and not abandon them.”