No Recess Policy

Experts are saying that all work and no play may actually be harmful for kids, at least academically. At a time when many schools are adopting a no recess policy and replacing recess with more instructional time, experts are challenging them to take another look at the importance of a break from strenuous studies.

More than 10 percent of schools across the country have done away with recess, arguing that P.E. serves the same purpose. Childhood education expert Olga Jarrett says that physical education isn’t enough because it is also structured time. "It’s wonderful to have P.E.," says Jarrett. "But that’s not sufficient, children also need downtime."

And research backs Jarrett up. Studies show that kids who have recess are more attentive than kids who don’t. Ten year-old David says he needs a break after hours of school work. "It gets so that I can’t concentrate ‘cause I need to get the energy out," says David.

Jarrett urges parents who are opposed to their school‘s no recess policy to organize and lobby the school board to change the policies. She also urges them to take action at home. "The other thing I would say to parents is not to over structure children’s time at home either," says Jarrett. "Children do need some time to spend with other children."

Some experts also argue that kids actually learn valuable lessons during recess; how to deal with social conflicts, how to handle bullies and learn who the class leaders are. These are skills some experts say, no structured class can teach and the lessons are as important as any offered in the text books inside the school.

What Parents Can Do

Encourage physical activity at home. Start by setting a good example at home. Plan physical activities to share as a family just to have fun together. Try hiking, softball or swimming as outings.

Teach healthy attitudes around exercise and fitness. Teach kids that being physically active is an important part of taking care of oneself. It is as important to good health as eating well and getting enough rest.

Encourage participation. Help kids feel good about being physically active regardless of whether or not they excel at a given sport. Competition in sports can be fierce and often kids need to be reminded that are can just have fun.