5 reasons to make sure recess doesn't get short shrift when school resumes in person [View all]

Once children return to school for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic upended everything, they will most likely spend less time on school grounds. And as educational leaders decide how to schedule elementary school students’ days, they see catching students up on math, English and other academic subjects as a top priority.

In our view, helping students heal from the stress and trauma of what they have been through this spring is also essential. We are founding members of the Global Recess Alliance, an international group of health and education experts who came together in the pandemic to advocate for saving school recess.

We believe that leaving recess out of the school day could hurt elementary school students. Along with our colleagues in this field, we have found clear evidence that children will need a chance to play during recess more than ever when schools open their doors. Here are five main benefits from recess:

1. Getting time to play

Young children learn important skills like collaboration and conflict resolution by playing with each other. Physical activity is important for health, but also because it helps children to pay attention in class and learn. Since recess is essential for children’s well-being, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all schools offer recess every day, and that adults not withhold recess as punishment or to make up missed school work.

Read more: https://theconversation.com/5-reasons-to-make-sure-recess-doesnt-get-short-shrift-when-school-resumes-in-person-140823