Recess: Friend or Foe?
Just as the chaos begins, the bell rings. 25 children and one relieved teacher are set free to relax and both physically and mentally prepare themselves for their next sitting. Without restraints like “in-door” voices, “don’t get out of your seats unless you’ve asked for permission,” and “no hand, no voice,” students are able to rid themselves of excess energy that could have caused major disruptions to the teacher and the learning of other students. Teachers all around the country are thankful for the gift of recess--teachers, that is, who are lucky enough to teach at schools that still believe in it. It is becoming more and more common, for schools to deprive students of recess. Some people believe that recess is a complete waste of valuable time that can be better used in the classroom. Others believe that children deserve and need a break during their day just as much as adults do. Recess is very necessary in elementary schools for the benefit of both students and teachers. It is unfair to think that children can sit for an average seven to eight hours a day without some sort of break. However, there are arguments that see recess resulting in more trouble than benefits.
According to Pellegrini and Smith, recess is defined as “a break, typically outdoors, for children” (as cited in Jarrett, 2002, p.51). Although recess is typically outdoors, there are also several other forms of recess. The most common form of recess, as mentioned before, is outdoors. This type of recess usually takes place on a school playground, where students are given the opportunity to play on monkey bars, slides, and swings among other playground equipment. Another common type of recess that takes place outdoors usually occurs in an ample area, like a soccer field for example. This type of recess usually motivates children to play more active games like tag, kickball, baseball, and football, among other outdoor games. These two types of outdoor recesses are the most traditional forms of recess. Indoor recesses, on the other hand, are more uncommon. Gym recess is the most familiar of the two. Gym recesses are usually reserved for games like basketball, volleyball, and hockey among several others. Classroom recess is the most uncommon, because it is usually reserved for rainy days. This type of recess usually involves very little or no physical activity. In this situation, students’ options are usually limited to coloring, reading, playing board games, or just visiting with friends. Through these different recess structures, children benefit in various ways.
According to Peg Tyre (2003), “experts estimate that nearly 20 percent of the nation’s elementary schools have dropped recess in favor of extra classroom time.” Already in cities across the country, a no-recess policy is being implemented. In Parent News (1998), Dawn Ramsburg notes that some school districts have even gone to the extreme of building their new schools with no playgrounds. Why the sudden resent towards recess? Apparently, many educators around the country believe that “recess is an outdated concept that endangers our children’s physical, emotional, and academic health” (NEA Today, 1999, p.43). According to the article in NEA Today: Is Recess Obsolete?, many educators believe that “in these years of school improvement plans, high-stakes tests, and reading recovery, recess is not the best use of time for students or staff.” They believe that the average 30 minutes spent on the playground everyday, would be better invested on better preparing students for standardized tests among other things, especially in times when accountability is such a huge issue. On the other hand, spending so much time “teaching to the test” can bore students and take away their motivation to be successful in the classroom.
According to Is Recess Obsolete?, another aspect of recess that educators dislike is that there are too many students and not enough staff to ensure their safety. *Barbara Myers (name has been changed), a playground aide, comments: “In the years I have spent on playground duty, there have never been more than 25 students per teacher or aide. It’s just the same as having a fairly large class. Then, you take that group and count out the more than 50% who never give you problems, and you have a fairly easy task. I have seen a fair share of bruises and scrapes, but nothing serious. You can’t help little accidents any more than you can help the weather. Kids are just kids…recess is just a part of growing up” (personal communication, November 12, 2003).
According to the article Is Recess Obsolete?, many teachers wish to abolish recess, due to the fact that the playground can be a “breeding ground for overly aggressive students and [can open the door to] the social stigma of being left out, teased unmercifully, or repeatedly denied the chance to use the monkey bars or play ball.” The truth of the matter is that no matter where you go or what you do in life, you will encounter negative people, the playground being no exception. Instead of dreading this problem, teachers should acknowledge it as the perfect opportunity to assist students in creating positive relationships. Recess is “the [perfect] arena for social development” (Is Recess Obsolete?). Through their continuous socializing, students would be better prepared to be more considerate towards their peers without constant intervention from a teacher. As long as teachers are aware of any problems, the playground will continue to be the classroom for social development.
Everyone needs a break. Working on tasks for long periods of time can quickly become tedious to any adult, hence breaks at work. Every job I have ever had, has guaranteed a minimum fifteen minute break, so why should school be any different? “Children need play to boost academic achievement. Research is unequivocal on this point: Kids who move are healthier, happier, and likely to be better learners than their sedentary peers” (Is Recess Obsolete?). In order to “move,” students need recess. Recess is also necessary because it relieves the stress of both students and teachers. A classroom cannot function successfully under tension and stress, so these fifteen to thirty minute breaks are actually setting a positive, attentive mood for the rest of the school day.
Just as people argue that recess is unnecessary, there are those that think recess is crucial to a child’s development. One of the strongest arguments for keeping recess in schools is the desperate need for activity among a generation of sedentary children accustomed to very little physical activity. Recess provides a wonderful opportunity for movement and activity. People who are against recess argue that students can receive this much needed exercise in physical education classes. Peg Tyre however, notes that this argument is untrue. Most schools offer their students P.E. once a week for a period of about 45 minutes. Recess happens every day. Which do you think is most beneficent? By accustoming students to a daily routine of exercise, they will adapt to it and perhaps even change their lifestyle (2003).
All in all, I believe schools should keep recess. Not only does it stimulate social development and physical activity, but it reduces stress and allows children to just be kids. I believe taking recess away from children is like telling them that there is no such thing as Santa. It deprives them of an important aspect of their childhood: their innocence. In such a modern age where innocence is so rare, we need to do everything within our reach to help our children hold onto it. Recess is just another great thing about being a kid. Losing your front teeth, climbing trees, playing with puppies, and scraping your knees at recess are what make your childhood so special. By preserving recess we give every student the opportunity to build childhood memories that will stay with them forever.
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