Do students need recess? This question has been discussed for years among parents and educators. With the requirements students are expected to meet, some think recess should be the first thing to be shortened or eliminated. However, experts don’t agree. Research has also shown that recess is crucial in child development and can impact everything from physical health to social skills and cognitive abilities. Here we’ll take a closer look into the vital role that recess plays in a child’s development. 

Promotes Physical Health

Recess provides children the opportunity to play and burn calories, and according to a 2020 study, it can account for as much as 70% of a child’s physical activity during the weekdays. This dedicated time for physical activity not only helps students naturally burn calories and increase stamina but also strengthens their bones, increases their flexibility, and contributes to better coordination. Additionally, it is well-known that physical activity can improve sleep, mood, and brain function, which are all vital for a child’s growth. 

Enhances Social Skills

Recess is where children learn to interact, share, negotiate, and solve problems without help from an adult. During this unstructured time, children develop social skills and learn empathy, teamwork, resolving conflicts, and resilience. As they learn how to refine these skills, they also learn how to form friendships and navigate disagreements. They learn to take turns, become leaders, and mediate conflicts between classmates. By interacting with diverse groups of children in a social setting, they develop the skills they need to navigate life in higher grades, at work, and in adult situations. 

Boosts Cognitive Abilities

While some may argue that recess should be shortened or eliminated because recess hinders academic learning, research has shown that these breaks throughout the day can significantly enhance a child’s cognitive abilities. Research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention suggests that physical activity breaks during the classroom day can positively impact students’ attention, concentration, behavior, and academic performance.  

A 2014 study found that physical activity can boost language arts skills. While children interact in a play environment and are free to think outside the box and be imaginative. These experiences are critical for a child’s development as they develop essential thinking skills for school and beyond. 

Can be a Stress Relief

Recess can be a wonderful outlet for stress relief. According to Harvard Health Publishing, it can help reduce children’s stress levels, anxiety, and depression.  This free time is not just a break from learning but also a time for children who deal with anxiety or feel the academic pressures to step away and unwind in an unstructured atmosphere. The physical activity of recess helps to release endorphins, improve mood, and reduce stress.

It allows children’s minds to rest and reset. It also allows children to interact with their peers, which is essential for children who need to feel connected to others and need that social and emotional support. Nature can also have a calming effect and is known to reduce stress. So, when children play outdoors, it can help promote relaxation and relieve stress. 

Is Linked to Better Behavior

Multiple studies have found that recess contributes to improved behavior in children. The CDC notes that recess can help decrease disruptive behavior in the classroom. Recess allows children to release their pent-up energy, which may lead to disruptive behavior if it is not released. Since recess can relieve stress, this reduced stress can be linked to fewer behavioral issues in the classroom.

After participating in recess, students come back to the classroom with a renewed focus. They can engage better in their studies, leading to better behavior and students feeling less frustration and stress. Additionally, regular breaks make students feel happier, contributing to better behavior, more cooperation, and an overall positive classroom atmosphere. 

Must be Inclusive and Accessible

Ensuring the recess is inclusive and accessible to all children is essential. For all children to reap the benefits of recess, schools must accommodate children with varying abilities and physical disabilities. This means investing in adaptive playground equipment that is universally accessible for all children. In addition to physical accessibility, it is important to consider inclusivity for children who may be bullied or feel isolated by their peers.

  • Observe social interactions during recess so you know when to intervene.
  • Teach students the signs of bullying and how to intervene.
  • Consider guided activities to help foster interactions among all students, especially those you know who are shy.
  • Teach children about inclusivity and empathy so they can make recess an inclusive experience for all students.

As you can see, recess is more than just a time filler; it’s a vital component of child development. It supports physical health, enhances social interactions, boosts cognitive abilities, and contributes to the emotional and psychological health of children. Therefore, recess must be persevered as it is a fundamental component of a child’s development.