Recess Matters: 8 Ways It Boosts Kids' Academic and Holistic Success
The bell rings and everyone rushes outside! The demand for focus falls away as tiny feet race towards iron-clad or wooden structures. It doesn't matter the material because soon it will become an elegant castle, a curious cave full of wonder, a treasure trove, or a set of monkey bars to slip from and learn that greatness takes a big reach. You might fall down, but brushing off wood chips matters not when there's a great adventure to conclude before the final bell rings and it's time to return indoors. Back to books, back to lectures, back to learning. Which, actually, feels more accessible after an afternoon break in the sun.
8 Reasons to Keep Recess in School!
Educational environments face hurdles. Academic performance and standardized testing create pressure on an already compressed learning environment. With only so many hours in the school day, recess faces the chopping block. However, research consistently shows that recess is not just a break from learning; unstructured play is an essential component of a child's development. At Brain to Belly Kids Yoga, we believe in the holistic growth of children, which includes physical, emotional, and social well-being. This blog post delves into the positive impacts of recess on children's lives by exploring the top 8 reasons recess needs to stay in schools!
1. Improves Physical Health
Just like adults need regular breaks from their work decks, children need time to step away and jump around. Recess provides children the opportunity to engage in physical activity which is crucial for their overall health. Running, jumping, and burning off excess energy introduces positive cardiovascular experiences. This creates a positive feedback loop that getting exercise doesn't have to be a begrudgingly scheduled activity. Instead, it's fun and something to look forward to! Additionally, physical activity strengthens the immune system, helping children fend off those colds that circulate so freely from classroom to classroom.
2. Enhances Focus and Attention
School districts can struggle to find time to allocate recess with the demands of academic expectations and standardized testing, but studies show that unstructured playtime enhances classroom performance. We all need a break. How many times have you felt sluggish, bored, uninspired, and found yourself bouncing back after a nice walk around the neighborhood? After a period of physical activity children often come back refreshed and more attentive. Children are in school to learn, but we cannot forget that children are children and they need opportunities to be free and play.
Texas Christian University kinesiologist Dr. Debbie Rhea developed the Liink Project which reflects the Finnish schooling structure, one that prioritizes playtime by tripling the amount of time that play is engaged in American schools.
Eagle Mountain Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas participated in the Liink Project, offering kindergarten and first graders 15 minutes of recess four times a day.
Teachers from EMES reported a significant development in their students. From greater creativity shown in their writing, stronger eye-contact, and something very interesting… pencils.
"You know why I was sharpening them? Because they were grinding on them, they were breaking them, they were chewing on them. They're not doing that now. They're actually using their pencils for the way that they were designed — to write things!" Cathy Wells, first-grade teacher, reported to NPR. Further claiming the addition of frequent and expected free play time has increased student's ability to focus and retain information, placing her classroom ahead of curriculum schedule!
3. Boosts Academic Performance
Studies have shown a positive correlation between regular physical activity and better academic outcomes, including improved test scores and classroom behavior. Engaging in physical activity during recess helps to stimulate brain function, enhancing memory and cognitive skills. This, in turn, leads to improved academic performance. The social skills developed during recess, such as cooperation and teamwork, can translate into better group work and collaborative projects in the classroom.
4. Fosters Creative Thinking
Unstructured play during recess allows children to use their imagination, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Unlike structured classroom activities, recess provides a time for children to explore, experiment, and engage in creative play. This unstructured time is essential for developing creativity, as it encourages children to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Whether they are building imaginary worlds, inventing new games, or creating art with sidewalk chalk, children benefit from the freedom to express themselves creatively during recess and this impact is shown in their creative school work.
5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Physical activity and free play act as natural stress relievers helping children manage anxiety and emotions. Recess provides a much-needed break from the demands of the classroom, allowing children to unwind and release pent-up energy. Incorporating mindful activities like deep breathing exercises during recess can further enhance stress relief.
While we will always be advocates for finding mindful moments, we additionally believe in the power of unstructured playtime and are aware that taking the time to learn mindfulness practices is still learning during recess!
That's why we're applauding The Illinois Generally Assembly for passing the Senate Bill 2872 which states "that each school district shall provide to students, in addition to and not substituting recess, at least once a week, relaxation activities to enhance the mental and physical health of students as part of the school day."
Mindfulness practices help children become more aware of their thoughts and feelings which allows them to manage stress with greater flexibility and awareness.
6. Promotes Social Interaction
Recess provides an opportunity for children to interact with peers in a less structured environment, helping them build social skills such as cooperation and conflict resolution. These skills teach children how to form healthy relationships and navigate social situations, something that isn't necessarily taught within the classroom.
During recess, children can learn to communicate effectively, share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. Mindfulness practices can improve empathy and communication among children, helping them develop stronger social connections.
And we know that it's not always sunshine and rainbows on the field- sometimes children experience friction between each other. While adults should be available to step in when bullying is present, these are further opportunities for children to shape and assert boundaries, learn limits, and become team players. Recess can be a time when students deepen relationships, learning how to choose and deepen friendships.
7. Builds Self-Esteem and Confidence
Successfully engaging in play and games can boost a child's self-esteem and confidence. When children set and achieve independent goals during recess, like finally crossing the entire line of monkey bars, they experience a sense of accomplishment and pride, further promoting positive self-esteem. Teamed games can lead to a sense of camaraderie and further develop the skills necessary for successful teamwork.
Revoking recess has become a normalized punishment for poor classroom behavior or a failure to complete homework. While the indication is to teach consequences, this action proves shameful for students who struggle with behavioral disorders or are unable to fulfill classroom requirements.
8. Supports Emotional Regulation
Recess allows children to express their emotions and develop better emotional regulation through play and social interactions. Free from the confines of a classroom, children are given the opportunity to take a walk regarding their emotions. Have you ever been full of feelings, be it anger, anxiety, or sadness, and you were told no, sorry, you can't leave the room? The freedom of unstructured time empowers children to make mindful choices. Getting outside to play already boosts feel-good emotions, playing with others encourages feelings of closeness, and when equipped with mindfulness tools children can find a safe space to regulate themselves.
9. Recess Allows Kids to be Kids!
A bonus point! For multi-decades, from the first integration of public school education, recess has been present. Before standardized testing became a strong focus point educators had no reason to remove recess. Why would they? The purpose of school isn't solely to promote academic achievement.
We can see the profound impact recess has on children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Recess isn't just a break from academics; it's an essential part of a well-rounded education that supports the holistic growth of children. Incorporating mindfulness into recess can further enhance its benefits, providing children with the tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and stay focused. Let's ensure that recess remains a staple in schools, providing every child with the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive!