The Importance Of Recess

When you ask a young student what their favorite part of the school day is, they will most likely say recess. Recess is the time of day that allows the student to create personal relationships and get out some of the energy they have built up throughout the school day. When I was in elementary school, some of my best memories came from the playground. I remember all of the fun times I had with my friends and of all of the games we played. Some educators think that recess is a very important part of the school day while other educators think it is a waste of educational time. Many argue that learning could and still take place during recess while others push for more academic studies. Some think that school is a place for learning and playing

A positive environment for students is key to making your classroom a welcoming learning environment. If the kids don’t feel comfortable coming to school, there is no way for them to properly learn. I think if the kids cant feel comfortable in the classroom they will not want to put in the extra work at home. Also in Hinton’s article she mentions a structured recess. She says,” students come outside to find equipment in place for several games, and they play with common rules that are agreed upon beforehand. Students also learn a method of conflict resolution designed to resolve quickly, so they can return to play” (Hinton, 201). The idea of a structured recess could be beneficial and could be a problem solver when deciding about keeping or canceling recess. It could be a healthy compromise to the argument that recess is a waste of academic time. I think that having a structured recess could be really fun and really hard to do. The teacher would have to meet the physical and emotional needs that would otherwise be fulfilled with a regular recess. If the student isn’t able to run around and make relationships with classmates the classroom environment could be

Many say it interferes with a child’s academics. According to Cromwell (2009), “But the key to success in school and in life, many education experts say, is academic learning. Shaving a few minutes from recess, or even eliminating it altogether, they argue, won't hurt children. Play has educational value, they admit, but play can occur outside of school; school should be devoted to academics.” This statement supports the argument against recess in school systems. The kids can have more time for academics and still be kids when they go home at the end of the day. I think this is a good alternative to add more academic time. I definitely think academics are very important in schools and if more time needs to be added I think this school did a very good job finding the