Recess
Recess time can be tricky. Recess is a necessary part of the school day. In order to educate the whole child you need to provide time for rest, relaxation and physical exercise.
Some interesting events have taken place over the last few years in relation to recess that I want to address.
1. Students are required by law to receive 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
This announcement made me excited because often schools shorten recess to fit in additional time for teaching. But, recess is an integral part of a student’s success in school. It’s a healthy, necessary break so the brain can re energize and successfully process new information.
Now the bad news… on the day my class had P.E. (also 30 minutes of physical activity) we were told by administration to remain in the classroom during the recess block to catch up on missed skills. HUMPH. What about my break? PE is structured play. Why can’t students enjoy catching up with friends and exploring the world with their imagination? (How about for just 15 minutes?) NOPE. The state says 30 minutes and students were already are getting that by participating in physical education classes. But, what does the state say about me needing 30 minutes? (haha) You know the answer to that one… <crickets>.
2. There have been particular teachers in grades 3-5 that have kept their students in for recess and utilized the time as “review” for state testing. Sure, not all students stayed in or if they did they had a quiet indoor recess while others were learning. This is unfair to students. Not only is there a state requirement, but a child’s brain can only take so much instruction before it has a negative effect. My heart breaks for these children.
3. Then I get told I have to provide structured activities at recess to cut down on injuries and behavior problems. Again, I have NO BREAK and students can’t play freely together. I find it sad every moment of every day needs to be structured to the max (and this is coming from a Type A personality!). Sometimes kids need to be kids. There’s plenty of consequences in place for students who misbehave at recess or in the classroom. But, I guess it’s no longer the expectation to bring students to recess and let them play… the ever changing “what’s in” and “what’s out” in education. Ugh. I can’t keep up!
How do you utilize recess time?
What mandates must you follow?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.