Experts argue that recess is necessary for a child’s social and academic development, and skipping it as punishment for misbehavior or to accommodate more seat timeis a serious mistake.
October 18, 2019
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is “crucial and necessary” for a child’s development and should never be withheld to make room for more academics or as punishment. On top of the health benefits, recess also enhances creative thinking, focus, and social skills like cooperation and sharing.
Interested in reading the research? Here’s a list of the papers and studies we cited in the video:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is “crucial and necessary” for a child's development and should never be withheld to make room for more academics or as punishment. On top of the health benefits, recess also enhances creative thinking, focus, and social skills like cooperation and sharing.
That law, Senate Bill 291, defines what “recess” really means: free, unstructured time to play and socialize. It also requires that elementary students receive at least 30 minutes every day and makes it illegal for educators to take that time away as punishment.
Research studying the effects of social play on learning reveals that play behavior encourages creativity, promotes problem-solving skills, and improves a child's vocabulary. A child can apply the skills he or she has learned on the playground to classroom lessons and assignments.
Recess is a critical time for children, a time for play that can benefit both their behavior and academics. But it isn't joyful for all children. Without the right oversight and planning, recess can be stressful for some kids, especially for those who are shy, anxious or targeted by bullying.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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