Generations of schoolchildren have reveled in the knowledge that for a short block of each school day they would be given free time to play. This break in the cycle reading, writing, and arithmetic is known as recess, and it is often cited as children’s favorite period. However, until recently, many parents and teachers saw recess as unproductive. Now, though, new research shows that this unstructured playtime may actually improve overall school performance.
Linking Recess and Behavior
The “School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior” study was conducted by several doctors from Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. Their findings were published in the Academy of Pediatrics’ Journal [January 26, 2009], and the results may soon change the way adults think about recess.
The study focused on some 11,000 elementary school children who were divided based upon how long their daily recess was. Ultimately, the students who received more than 15 minutes of free time each day showed markedly better behavior and greater focus than their peers who lacked recess.
Even after accounting for other variables, such as age, gender, economic standing, and school setting, the researchers in charge of the study believe this conclusion is solid. Their assessment is that, by giving students unstructured time, they have a much-needed respite from schoolwork and are able to retain focus throughout the rest of the day.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Recess is also a time when children get to play outdoors. According to Andrea Faber Taylor, a researcher from the University of Illinois, this time with nature can be extremely beneficial. She believes that children with regular outdoor activity show greater concentration in schools. The reason, as she explained in a recent New York Times article, “The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess”, is that moving away from the classroom and into a natural setting provides a break from the “directed attention” schoolwork requires. This break prevents mental fatigue and makes it easier to stay focused later in the day.
Recess and Fitness
Other studies also show a link between physical fitness and academics. This is relevant as recess is one of the major periods where children participate in physical activities. In fact, the 1989 article, Recess in Elementary Schools," published by the Journal of Physical Education found that children are engaged in moderate to vigorous exercise for approximately 59% of the recess period, a figure higher than the reported percentage for PE classes. With childhood obesity on the rise, providing daily time for exercise is essential, and recess gives children such an opportunity.
The National Association of Early Childhood Specialists has even devoted a position paper to expressing the importance of recess. In their report, the NAEC states that unstructured play is a great way to reduce students’ stress and anxiety at school. It also lets them release extra energy without disrupting classroom activities.
Social Growth During Recess
The NAEC also sees a great social benefit to recess, which allows students to form close relationships with peers. As children interact with limited supervision, they are forced to practice self-control and adopt social rules. Additionally, recess encourages positive self-expression and increasing independence. These skills, and others learned during free play, can then be applied to academic and real-world situations. See the NAEC position paper, “RECESS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY: A Position Statement on Young Children and Recess” for details.
Losing Recess
Unfortunately, the “School Recess” study also found that only 30% of students are granted adequate recess time each day. It seems schools, especially those with low test scores, are cutting back on this free period to provide more instructional time. Additionally, many teachers see recess as a privilege to be taken away when a student misbehaves. However, as more and more groups advocate for recess and demonstrate its worth, there is hope that schools will change their view on this essential daily respite.
