{"id":7673,"date":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/give-kids-a-break-the-value-of-recess\/"},"modified":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2013-08-27T00:00:00","slug":"give-kids-a-break-the-value-of-recess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/give-kids-a-break-the-value-of-recess\/","title":{"rendered":"Give Kids a Break: The Value of Recess"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The new policy statement<\/a> by the American Academy of Pediatrics about the importance of recess time brought back some vivid memories of my days on the playground. I remember when my grammar school in San Francisco had two recess periods: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Since the weather was mild most of the year, recess was something we could count on year round.<\/p>\n

Recess is Time to Decompress<\/strong><\/p>\n

During those times on the playground, my mind was cleared of all academic thoughts and focused solely on the escape of free play. This meant when I returned to the classroom, I was ready to jump back into my lessons. I was mentally refreshed with a renewed perspective on the subject at hand. I was also physically rejuvenated, my body exercised and ready to sit quietly to learn.<\/p>\n

Recess More Than Just Play<\/strong><\/p>\n

The AAP statement is consistent with research by neuroscientists who recommend \u201cbrain breaks\u201d every 90 minutes in order to increase productivity. Recess provides children with free unstructured time to engage in physical activity that helps them develop healthy bodies and the enjoyment of movement. It also provides children the opportunity to practice life skills such as cooperation, taking turns, being a good sport, following rules, sharing, communications, negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution. And along the way, they might win a few marbles.<\/p>\n

Parents Can Help Bring Back Recess<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parents can play a particularly important role in helping their children to have more productive school time by allocating home time for outdoor activities in natural settings and by being strong advocates for schools to offer more safe outdoor time and experiences for their children, including recess time.<\/p>\n