My daughter just started school a week ago, and we’ve already established a routine. Each morning, I drop her off at 8 AM. She stands there, health screening in one hand and lunch in the other. After I return home to work, I sometimes squeeze in a workout before picking her up. When I ask her about her day, guess what her first stories are about? Recess. She lights up recounting the moments she spent running, jumping, and playing with her friends.
This focus on play makes perfect sense. As an elementary school student, recess is crucial to her growth—it’s the highlight of her day. Yet, I can’t help but feel disheartened to learn that recess is merely an afterthought at her school. She only gets twenty minutes for it. That’s one-third of an hour. A mere fraction of her day. And honestly, it’s not enough, not yesterday, not today, and certainly not in 2021 when children are feeling an unprecedented amount of stress and anxiety.
The ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected everyone, but children and teens have faced particularly tough times. According to a Healthy Children article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, an estimated 40,000 kids in the U.S. have lost a parent to COVID-19. Many families have also experienced financial instability during this time, and critical support systems like schools and health services have been disrupted.
In short, today’s youth have been through a lot. They need stability, normalcy, and yes—play. “Recess allows [children] to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, both known to enhance overall health and mood,” says Sarah Miles, a school principal and member of the American Education Association. It plays a significant role in their emotional and mental well-being, allowing them to express themselves freely, engage with peers, and alleviate stress. Research published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicates that recess provides a structured outlet for managing stress.
The benefits of recess extend beyond mere enjoyment. According to Rasmussen University, physical activity enhances brain function and is linked to improved cognitive abilities. It also helps combat childhood obesity, which affects one in five school-aged children. Not surprisingly, when kids have recess, their behavior improves. A study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that children with at least 15 minutes of recess daily exhibited better behavior in class than those without.
Beyond the academic and physical, recess is simply fun. It’s a joyous time when children can be themselves and run freely. However, valuable lessons are learned on the playground as well. As noted by Peaceful Playgrounds, children acquire essential communication skills such as negotiation, cooperation, and problem-solving. They also have opportunities to practice social skills and role-play, allowing them to relax and de-stress.
Recess is a critical outlet for children of all ages, helping them grow into better, smarter, and more patient individuals.
What Can We Do?
So, what can we do to ensure our children receive adequate recess time? We can advocate for longer play periods by contacting elected officials and presenting the facts about the benefits of both structured and unstructured play. Attending school board and PTA meetings can also be effective. Starting with local efforts may yield results. Additionally, encouraging play before and after school is vital. I let my daughter run around with her friends until the gates close, because kids need to move and breathe. They need recess—and breaks.
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Summary:
There’s never been a better time to advocate for longer recess for children. As they navigate the stresses of life, play is essential for their development, emotional health, and social skills. Parents can take action by contacting officials and participating in school meetings to emphasize the importance of recess. Encouraging play outside of school hours is also beneficial. Ultimately, ensuring that children have ample time for play is crucial for their overall well-being.
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