There's more than meets the eye when it comes to recess. Recess can be a truly valuable part to a child's day, providing them with the energy release they need to keep attentive during class thereafter.
For some, it's the only time during the day when they get physical activity in. This reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases, assists in improved academic performance, improves self-esteem, and reduces risk of depression and effects of stress.
Recess is also an opportunity for children to be introduced a myriad of other skills that will help them out later in life. It improves both emotional and social skills. When free play is involved, children learn to put themselves in others' shoes, introducing them to empathy. Recess can teach children: cooperation, helping and sharing skills; respect for rules; conflict resolution skills, language skills for communicating with peers; turn taking skills; and problem-solving skills.
Finally, many children who attend recess tend to be less fidgety in class, more behaved and attentive. This is because sitting down most of the day isn't releasing a physical energy the children have, and the release of this physical energy is healthy. Recess is healthy! Reeses, unfortunately, are not.
Some children find it difficult to engage themselves during recess. They've spent most of the day learning, absorbing knowledge, and they just don't know how begin physically moving about. That's why it's important for faculty to have objects they'll have fun with, like frisbees and those harmless footballs. It gives children something to do, and it gives them something to revolve themselves around, together, in free play.
Resources
Hodgson, Amber M.A. CCC-SLP, Super Duper Handy Handouts © 2011: Benefits of Recess
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