Should Your Recess Be Longer?

You cram one last bite of sandwich in your mouth and rush outside for recess. You’ve been waiting for this all morning: Sunshine! Fresh air! Kickball! You’re just lining up the perfect shot when—BRIIIIIIINNNNG. The bell rings to call you back inside.

Sound familiar?

Over the past 20 years, many schools have squeezed recess out of the schedule to focus more on learning. As many as 40 percent of school districts have shortened recess—or even cut it completely.

Now, more and more kids, parents, and teachers are fighting to bring recess back. A handful of states, including Florida and New Jersey, have even passed laws giving students more free time.

But do kids need more recess?

You take one last bite of your sandwich and rush outside for recess. You’ve been waiting for this all morning: Sunshine! Fresh air! Kickball! You’re lining up your shot. Then—BRIIIIIIINNNNG. The bell rings to call you back inside.

Sound familiar?

Over the past 20 years, many schools have squeezed recess out of the schedule to focus more on learning. As many as 40 percent of school districts have shortened or gotten rid of recess.

Now, many kids, parents, and teachers are fighting to bring recess back. A few states, including Florida and New Jersey, have even passed laws giving students more free time.

But do kids need more recess?

You’re probably thinking, “Uh, YEAH.” And a lot of experts would agree with you.

Doctors say kids need an hour of exercise each day. But between homework and family time, it can be hard to get enough. Cartwheeling around at recess can help keep kids healthy.

Playing outside gives students a boost inside the classroom too. Dr. Robert Murray, a pediatrician who studies recess, says it gives your brain an important break. “You return to the classroom calm and ready to learn,” he explains. That may be why schools that have added more recess report a rise in test scores.

And recess helps students long after the bell rings. Research shows that kids can build important life skills on the playground. You learn how to get along with others. You dream up creative ideas. You practice leading a team. These are skills you’ll need someday to start a company or create a dazzling new invention.  

You’re probably thinking, “Uh, YEAH.” And a lot of experts would agree with you.

Doctors say kids need an hour of exercise each day. But between homework and family time, it can be hard to get enough. Running around at recess can help keep kids healthy.

Playing outside helps students in class too. Dr. Robert Murray is a kids’ doctor. He studies recess. He says it gives your brain an important break. “You return to the classroom calm and ready to learn,” he explains. That may be why schools that have added more recess report a rise in test scores.

Recess helps kids in other ways too. You can build important life skills on the playground. You learn how to get along with others. You dream up creative ideas. You practice leading a team. These are skills you’ll need someday to start a company or create a new invention.

But some say the school day is too jam-packed for more recess. Many teachers say they’d love for kids to have fun outside. But tests have gotten tougher. They need every spare minute to teach math and reading. (And you need those skills to become an inventor too.)

Besides, recess isn’t all fun and games. Some kids get picked on. Others get left out. And then there are the injuries: sprained ankles, broken wrists.

Adult supervisors can help keep the playground safe and peaceful. But schools can’t always afford to hire people for this job.

Still, some argue that recess is worth fighting for. “It gets me focused and gives me more energy,” explains 9-year-old Noah Browning. Noah lives in Florida, where a new law gives kids 20 minutes of recess each day. “Everybody deserves a break,” Noah says. 

But some say there’s no time for more recess. Many teachers say they’d love for kids to have fun outside. But tests have gotten tougher. Teachers need every spare minute to teach math and reading. And you need those skills to become an inventor too.

Besides, recess isn’t all fun and games. Some kids get picked on. Others get left out. Some get injured while playing.

Adult aides can help keep recess safe and peaceful. But schools can’t always afford to hire people for this job.

Still, some say that recess is worth fighting for. “It gets me focused and gives me more energy,” says Noah Browning. Noah is 9. He lives in Florida, where a new law gives kids 20 minutes of recess each day. “Everybody deserves a break,” Noah says.