Recess in Schools Means Active Playtime for the Kids Who Need It

By Amanda Chablani, HSC Policy Specialist

As Rochelle recently witnessed, kids (and first ladies) love to run around and be active;  we were glad to see the White House providing such a great, green space where so many young people could play.  While we all need regular exercise, kids especially need dedicated time for unstructured play -– that’s why we think it’s vital that schools schedule daily recess in addition to physical education.

Last October, the first set of federal guidelines on physical activity was released by Health and Human Services.  These guidelines, in addition to setting forth recommendations for daily exercise based on age and ability, provide helpful tips on incorporating exercise into our daily routine.

And for kids, school is a huge part of daily routine.  That’s why the guidelines recommend that schools and communities “provide time for both structured and unstructured physical activity during school and outside of school. Children need time for active play. Through recess, physical activity breaks, physical education classes, after-school programs, and active time with family and friends, youth can learn about physical activity and spend time doing it.”

While it seems obvious that kids need to run around every day, it has become very difficult for many kids to do so. As I learned on a trip to Springfield last spring, recess is no longer available to many kids. But parents here in Chicago are taking action –- Parents United for Healthy Schools collected almost 4,000 signatures in support of re-instituting recess in Chicago Public Schools. And at a federal level, we’re also seeing some movement. Senator Harkin and Congressman Gordon introduced legislation (S.1810 and HR. 3851 respectively) to make sure the HHS guidelines are regularly updated and made available. 

Let’s hope school districts around the country respond by bringing back recess.  

To support this legislation, visit the American College of Sports Medicine’s website.

Comments

[Tim Magner]

Recess is a no-brainer, yet a large percentage of CPS schools don't offer recess.

The evidence is more than anecdotal. Kids perform better in the classroom if they've been given an opportunity to play.

Kids have been playing for 200,000 years. That's what kids do. It's crazy we need legislation!

[Laura]

I just found out last week that my daughter's class (Kindergarten) only gets 10 minutes of recess a day...as part of a 20 minute lunch break. I am furious and am taking action (what exactly I'm not sure yet). I'm shocked to learn there are some schools with NO recess at all.

I can't let her play on the school playground after school because it has been taken over by middle school students and they're not watching out where they are going and I don't need my 5 year old picking up some of the phrases they use. We play outside as a family, but she needs to play with other kids, not just mom and/or dad.

Take away recess, pile on the homework, shorten lunch periods and provide high calorie, high fat foods...no wonder we have most children left behind and a childhood obesity problem. Out of the classroom, onto the playground...

[Amanda]

Tim - I agree that the benefits of recess are well documented, but now that schools have moved away from recess, and with the many competing demands in the school environment, it looks like we need legislation to make it happen.

Laura - you should check out the Documents and Resource section of our Quick and Easy Guide to School Wellness: www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/wellness - lots of great tips to engage your school administration, teachers, and other parents to make healthy changes in your school.

[Stacy]

In opinion, this is an OUTRAGE! Recess is so great for kids because it gives them the freedom to participate in things that they enjoy. They are at a crucial time in their lives where their bodies are developing so quickly. They are always learning new things. Recess is time for them to learn things like socializing and getting along with others. I am a college student and we learn about this topic all the time in my health class. Studies show that kids achieve and do better in school with this break between subjects. I cannot imagine having recess be eliminated or shortened when I was in school. I would absolutely be devastated! Kids at this age need this time to enjoy themselves and to have fun. In order to have an effective school you need to have BALANCE!