Recess is Here to Stay!

Eliminating Recess Hurts Kids

Not giving students recess is punishment to students! I teach Kindergarten and I could not imagine a day without fresh air and hearing kids run, laugh, and play. My students NEED recess and so do I. Who wants to be trapped in a building for 8 hours with zero time to unwind?

During my first three years of teaching, I was blessed enough to have a school district that allowed the teacher to decide if they want to include recess in their schedule. To my surprise, only four teachers chose this option. Many of the teachers who did not participate in recess felt that they needed the extra time instructional time. Because my district was on academic probation, many teachers knew that if their students did not pass the ISAT they could lose their job. They saw their chooses as recess or being rifted. They told me that my students weren't being tested so I could sit around and play all day! Sadly, what many teachers did not realize it that recess could help students learn better.

As a teacher, I pay close attention to my students. I can read their body posture and mood. I realized early in my career that it was a battle holding the attention of students without free time (recess). Then I thought, "Why struggle with trying to keep them from talking to friends and fidgeting in their seat, when all that is required is a few minutes outside to get the ants out of their pants." Students need a few minutes to leave the building, get some fresh air, socialize, and just be kids. I too, love recess time. It gives me a chance to laugh with the students, play around, and be a kid myself with out holding a grade book in my hand. I'm glad that I chose recess because my students are more relaxed and alert when they return to the classroom. Then, we get back to work!

If giving my students recess instead of 20 more minutes of instruct time will affect their academics, I am willing to take the risk. In my classroom, recess is here to stay! Kids Learn Best Through Play and we are going to have a Ball!

For more information on the benefits of recess: http://www.suite101.com/content/the-many-benefits-of-recess-in-schools-a182312