OPINION: Don't Do Away With Play

The Federal No Child Left Behind Act raises expectations for academic achievement. Through standard-based education reform, schools are expected to steadily improve learning with measurable standards for all students. Some schools have responded to this demand by cutting back on playtime so students can spend more time learning. As the pressure mounts to increase academic learning, the time-honored tradition of recess may hang in the balance.

According to the The International Association for the Child's Right to Play, 40 percent of U.S. schools do not provide children with recess. Unfortunately, this idea of “all work and no play” could have dire consequences on classroom success, the very thing it is meant to advance. 

Play and learning go hand-in-hand. It is on the playground where children learn positivity, inclusion and respect. Unstructured play can be very serious business as children learn to navigate the world around them. There are followers and leaders and unspoken rules which give students the skills necessary to function in the world. It is here that children learn to be social creatures and effective communicators. Teamwork and cooperation are fostered.

Recess offers a change of pace, an opportunity to release built-up energy and relieve stress - to blow off steam. It is a time for children to re-group and temporarily clear their minds of things academic. The break results in more productivity and less fidgeting in the classroom which translates to greater productivity.

In a society where obesity is on the rise, recess offers the obvious benefit of physical activity. Movement increases the capacity of blood vessels which allows for the flow of oxygen, water and glucose (brain food) to travel to the brain. It is the impromptu, often rambunctious, interactive games played on the playground that unites the mind, body and spirit. 

In an attempt to broaden our children’s academic horizons and increase achievements, we must not neglect the importance of recess in the school day. The benefits of recess are far reaching - benefiting our children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Perhaps what is needed is a closer look at the quality of class time rather than the quantity of class time.

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