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Though some people may believe that physical education often resembles recess, they differ in many ways.
Structured play, as in P.E., addresses a child’s physical health and development. It is part of an organized curriculum where the student receives a grade like all other subject areas. Participation is not voluntary and free social time is not part of the curriculum.
Unstructured play, as in recess, addresses a child’s physical health, mental health, social and cognitive developments. It has little or no adult direction and children are allowed to choose their activity, activity levels, and degree of social interaction. A child’s imagination and creativity plays a vital role in this type of play, as opposed to structured play.
While recess is an essential component of the elementary school program, it is inappropriate to substitute recess for physical education or physical education for recess.
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There has been an enormous amount of research conducted on the important role recess plays in healthy child development, concluding that recess is necessary for a child’s:
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Physical Health
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Mental / Emotional Health
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Social Development
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Cognitive Development
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Academic Achievement
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Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on Children’s Rights states that every child has the right to leisure time. Taking away recess, whether as a disciplinary measure or abolishing it in the name of work, infringes on that right.
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There is no research or theory to suggest that getting rid of recess is good for student achievement.
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School Difficulties
Increased Childhood Anxiety
Disconnection from Nature
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Epidemic of Childhood Obesity
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Several studies over the past decade have looked at the effects of play deprivation and found that an absence of play in supportive, positive context can create adults who are:
 Violent
 Anti-Social
 Mentally Impaired
 Emotionally Sterile
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According to the New England Journal of Medicine,
American life expectancy will decrease 2-5 years by the year 2040 due to the current childhood obesity epidemic.
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Heart Disease
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Diabetes
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Hypertension (High Blood
Pressure)
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Colon Cancer
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Depression
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Weight Control
Aerobic Endurance
Muscular Strength
Motor Coordination
Enhanced Muscle Growth
Stimulates the growth of the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
Given the short and long-term health benefits of physical activity and the fact that children spend a significant amount of their waking hours at school, it is imperative that they be given ample opportunity for physical activity during school hours.
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In a 1998 study, two 4 th grade classes of 25-30 students each were observed for attentiveness and fidgetiness before and after recess. The study group included five students diagnosed with and medicated for attention deficit disorder
(ADD). The results showed that the majority of students were more attentive and less fidgety after recess. All of the children diagnosed with
ADD were observed to have benefited from their recess break. Many experts believe that free play is a far better treatment for ADD/ADHD than Ritalin.
Goodbye recess, hello Ritalin
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Today’s children are faced with more stress than any generation of children preceding them. They are experiencing a whole new realm of tight schedules, and high expectations, which often demands that they behave, not as children, but as little adults.
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Health Problems
Behavior Problems
Sleeplessness
Worry
Anxiety
Sadness
Exhaustion
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Studies show that prolonged periods of confinement can lead to:
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Fidgeting
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Restlessness
Inability to Concentrate
Furthermore, studies also show that by offering recess it can:
•Relieve Stress
•Reduce Anxiety
•Improve Attentiveness
•Reduce Fidgeting
•Increase Self-esteem
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Recess is the period of time during the school day that allows children the opportunity to interact with peers in a way not usually possible in the typical classroom.
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Cooperation
Sharing
Language
Conflict Resolution
Respect for Rules
Self-Discipline
Appreciation for Other People’s Cultures
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According to a recent study conducted in three San Antonio, Texas schools, when denied of opportunities to learn socialization skills and develop friendships during recess, students demonstrated insecure behaviors and lack of self confidence.
An important educational and socialization experience is lost when children are not allowed to participate in free play with peers on a regular basis.
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Physical activity fuels the brain, making the brain better able to process a variety of information, thus leading to improved retention of facts, a greater understanding of concepts, and the capacity to master new and remember old information.
Frequent Breaks Can Help Children:
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Stay on Task
Minimize Disruptive Behavior
Retain What They Learn
Studies show that providing more time for physical activity by reducing class time actually leads to increased concentration and stronger academic achievement by improving reading, writing and mathematic test scores.
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Numerous national organizations support school recess as an integral component of a child’s physical, mental, social, and academic development. The Texas Legislature has shown their support for recess for elementary school children by passing Senate
Bill 530 (House Bill 366)
as cited by House Bill 366 states:
“that the local school health advisory council shall consider and make policy recommendations to the district concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. The council must consider research regarding unstructured and undirected play, academic and social development, and the health benefits of daily recess in making the recommendations. The council shall ensure that local community values are reflected in any such policy recommendation made to the district.”
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This school year a huge change was made to the daily schedule at my own child’s school. Recess, once a staple in the children’s daily routine, has now been greatly reduced and for some students, eliminated.
Grades Currently
Kindergarten
1 st & 2 nd Grade
20 minute daily recess
(100 minutes per week)
3 rd Grade
4 th Grade
&
5 th Grade
20 minute recess 3 days per week
(60 minute per week)
No daily recess
*Some students receive a weekly
35 minute recess for being deemed a
“Terrific Tiger”
(35 minutes per week for some;
Zero recess for others)
Previous Years
* Including all 5 years the elementary was rated Exemplary by the State of
Texas.
30 minute daily recess
(150 minutes per week)
30 minute daily recess
(150 minutes per week)
30 minute daily recess
(150 minutes per week)
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In my efforts to both understand my school’s current recess policy and to educate my school on the important role recess plays, I have met with both the elementary principal and the school superintendent. They cite two basic reasons for reducing and eliminating recess:
According to the principal : I require 60 minutes of instruction time for the core subjects and there was no way to find the time without taking recess and putting it back into instruction.
According to the superintendent : Because of a decline in reading scores for fifth graders and math scores for fourth graders on last years TAKS, the students are now allowed only one “earned recess” a week.
Despite the overwhelming amount of research supporting recess’ impact on a child’s physical health, mental health, social development, and even academic achievement, the recess policy has not changed.
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My school’s current wellness policy states:
Elementary school will provide daily recess, preferably outdoors, during which moderate to vigorous physical activity will be encouraged. Exceptions may be made by the principal for circumstances such as shortened days, special events, and altered schedules.
Note: On February 5th, the SHAC clarified their original intent to state “To provide the principal the opportunity to make temporary adjustments due to inclement weather, shortened days, or unforeseen, unplanned events”.
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I took part in presenting research regarding recess to my local
SHAC. After reviewing the research, the SHAC made a recommendation to the district to reinstate daily recess. Many challenges faced during this process include:
1) SHAC Liaison (school nurse) directs the meetings
2) Administration sets the agenda
3) Parent participation is below 50%
4) School Board is not represented
Though the SHAC fulfilled their duty as cited by HB366, the superintendent rejected both the recommendation as well as the clarification in regards to the wellness policy.
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The research overwhelmingly shows that recess is a necessary component of a child’s physical, mental, social, and academic development. To ignore the benefits of recess could very well be detrimental to our children’s health and well-being. Therefore, recess and it’s many benefits should remain a part of our children’s daily school routine.
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