Recess
Education news, analysis, and opinion about breaks from the structured school day for games, play, or socializing
7 Things to Know About School Recess
Why is recess important? Here are 7 findings about recess, the role it plays in the development of children, and how it's evolved over time.
Student Well-Being
Pediatrics Academy Speaks Out on 'Crucial Role' of Recess
The American Academy of Pediatrics releases a policy statement emphasizing the unique role of recess in the development of children.
Education
Syracuse District Struggles to Find Recess Time
Syracuse elementary schools have had trouble finding time for recess this school year after the district rolled out a new curriculum aligned to the common core, according to a recent report on News Channel 9.
Student Well-Being
Recess Makes Return to Chicago Schools
It only took roughly 30 years for recess to return, but perhaps now is better than never, considering the high rates of childhood obesity throughout the country.
Education
Opinion
The True Loss of Recess
"Class size. Standardized testing. The three R's. When most people talk about how to improve education, they tend to focus only on what happens in the classroom. But the most unexpected opportunity to boost learning lies outside the classroom: on the playground at recess" (The State of Play. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).
Student Well-Being
Friday Reading: School Health Suggestions and the Point of Recess
The Healthy Schools Campaign and Trust for America's Health campaign for school health tweaks, while Commentary authors argue for the value of recess.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Why Bother With Recess?
Recess is a valuable component of a child's time in school, a time when students can collect themselves, recharge their batteries, and challenge themselves in a different setting.
Student Well-Being
Studies Examine Best Practices for Scheduling, Overseeing Recess
Two recent studies attempted to determine best practices regarding how schools schedule and oversee recess.
Early Childhood
Report Roundup
Recess Length
The amount of time kindergartners spend at recess varies, but that variation doesn't seem to affect their reading achievement.
School Climate & Safety
Study Weighs Benefits of Organizing Recess
Researchers found that a structured approach to managing recess led to less bullying and more time for learning.
Education
Study Asks: Is There an Ideal Amount of Recess?
In "Recess and Reading Achievement of Early Childhood Students in Public Schools," researcher Ummuhan Yesil Dagli of Yildiz Technical University in Turkey describes how much time kindergartners around the U.S. spend in recess and in reading class, and whether that is connected to students' scores on a reading assessment.
Student Well-Being
Chicago Schools to Make Recess Mandatory for Elementary Students
Starting next fall, all Chicago public elementary schools will be required to provide a daily recess period to their students, under the district's new extender learning day plan.
Student Well-Being
Study: Phys. Ed., Recess Mandates Boost School Physical-Activity Time
Schools were more likely to offer students 150 minutes of physical education per week if located in a state or district that mandated that level of P.E., according to a study published Monday in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Student Well-Being
Principal Stresses Value of Recess for Student Achievement
EdWeek blogger Peter DeWitt believes that students are being robbed of their childhood when schools scrap recess for more class time.
Education
Opinion
I Failed Recess...Because I Don't Play!
Growing up with four older siblings was always interesting. At a young age I learned how to share, and privacy was non-existent until a few older siblings got married and moved out of the house. My brother Jody is three years older, although everyone thinks he's younger, and we spent a great deal of time together as kids.
