Playtime during school is probably the most important time of the day. Ask any student their favorite subject in school and the response is “recess”. However, there are only eight states currently require recess according to Shape of the Nation report. Many schools eliminate playtime to make more time for structured learning.
Recess or playtime gives students a chance to increase their physical activity which is a recommended 60 minutes a day. Recess provides students a chance to build the soft skills of leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, flexibility and interpersonal skills needed for success in life. Also, free playtime contributes to cognitive performance. It gives the brain time to process learning. As reality has it, breaks in the structure of the classroom and school day benefits the body and the mind. In addition, free time breaks keep students engaged in the structure of the learning.
Playtime and recess outside is important for a student’s mood. Everyone needs natural sunlight to increase serotonin that boosts the mood and increases a student’s focus for learning. Also, playing outside decreases behavior problems. Natural light contributes to wellness. It regulates the biological clock and is important to the immune system. Furthermore, sunlight provides vitamin D which increases academic learning.
Unstructured playtime reduces stress. Students can run and shout and children can take control of their own activity. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education suggests (NASPE) suggests 20 minutes of recess every day.
Punishment – No Playtime
Students should never miss playtime or recess for a punishment. As children miss recess because of behavior, they hurt the students most that need the physical exercise. Students that misbehave need recess or free playtime. This improves attention, memory, and mood in all students, especially in ADHD students. Students should never have to ‘earn’ recess. They deserve the break in order to process learned content.
The bottom line, students need breaks during the day. Recess and free play provides the needed break. Teachers must find a way to keep recess within the school day for the success for the learners.
