Schools Cutting Recess
Recess has always been a time for students to relax and enjoy free time with their classmates. Similarly, physical education classes have provided children with countless hours of physical entertainment and taught students the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Sadly, many schools across the United States have cut recess from their curricula. Some students don't even get a break throughout their day. Learn more about the importance of recess and physical education in schools to see how cutting recess from a child's school schedule can be detrimental in the long run.
When Phys. Ed. Is Cut, Who Pick Up the Slack?
The struggle for schools to find a balance between classroom time and physical activity continues. This article examines the drawbacks to cutting time for physical activity.
Taking Away Recess Makes No Sense
A discussion of the alarming rates at which recess is being removed from schools delves into why this is detrimental to students.
Cutting Recess Time Out of School Days
This article discusses how many U.S. schools that used to have time dedicated to physical activities are using that time in the classroom instead.
Schools Trim Children's Time to Play
This NPR piece showcases the importance of physical activity in a child's day and how some schools are fighting to maintain this time as a staple in a child's education.
Recess Benefits the Well-Being of a Child
A study done by Stanford shows the profound importance physical activity has in a child's school day.
Pediatricians Say Not to Cut Recess
A group of pediatricians discuss how recess allows children to decompress and develop into healthy young adults.
Can Recess Make Your Children Smarter?
This article discusses how recess can help children in and out of the classroom as well as the number of health benefits it provides them.
Providing Recess Means Higher Test Scores
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends recess and strongly urges parents to fight for schools to maintain recess as part of a child's day in this article about having recess removed from the curriculum.
Schools Remove Recess to Boost Time for Test Prep
Learn about how Florida school districts cut back on play time and focused more on studying and standardized testing in this article.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and parents agree that recess is an integral part of a child's education.
Despite Benefits, Students Are Restricted From Recess
New Jersey lawmakers have fought to bring recess back and make it a mandatory part of a child's education.
The Negative Effects of Removing Recess
This article discusses the many ways in which children benefit from having play time incorporated into their day and the problems that await if this time is removed.
The Decline of Play in Preschoolers
This Washington Post article explores the link between decreased playtime for preschoolers and the rise in sensory issues.
CNN explains why children need physical activity throughout their day.
An article examines the question of whether or not recess is simply a tradition or a necessary part of a child's education.
Can Cutting Recess Actually Harm Your Children?
The CDC looks at what removing recess really does to children.
Study Shows Athletic Kids Perform Better in Class
This article discusses whether or not fit and active children perform better in academics.
Physical Education in Public Schools
Take an in-depth look at recess and gym classes in U.S. public schools.
Research gives an answer to the question, "Is recess the most important part of a child's day?"
Recess and Physical Education Make a Comeback
PBS takes a look at how many schools think taking "brain breaks" helps boost a child's productivity.
School Budgets and Physical Education
An infographic shows how budget cuts in schools have harmed physical education.
Educating the Student and Their Body
A study looks at the physical and mental benefits of recess and physical education within the school system.
Should High School Students Have Free Physical Time?
Even older students could benefit from having free time during the day.
Promotion of Recess (PDF)
Occupational therapists are encouraged to take an active role in supporting recess in schools.
Physical Education and Its Benefits
Learn about the benefits of physical education in schools here.
Parents Concerned About Physical Education Programs
Parents reveal their worries about inadequate physical education.
Recess as Important as Class Time, Pediatricians Say
Research has shown that children need downtime during the school day to process the information they have been taught.
Written by: Ben Thompson