A Delightful Perspective On Recess by a 9-year-old

by Adriana Stapella, MS, OTR/L | Oct 20, 2023 | Play

Recess is a critical component of the school day that contributes to the comprehensive development of children. It is more than a simple break from the classroom routine. There is overwhelming research on numerous benefits that positively impact students’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

As a parent and a pediatric occupational therapist working in the school setting, I have strongly advocated not limiting recess for academic catch-ups. While some educators believe that cutting back on recess can provide more instructional time and thus improve educational outcomes, many experts argue that this approach is misguided and can negatively affect students. Educators, parents, and policymakers need to recognize the importance of recess and ensure it remains a priority in school schedules.

It’s important to note that while instructional time is undeniably valuable, the quality of that time matters as much as if not more than, the quantity. Children who are well-rested, physically active, and mentally refreshed are more likely to engage in learning actively. Thus, preserving and expanding recess time can be an investment in the well-being and productivity of students.

In light of my passionate feelings regarding the importance of recess and its countless positive benefits on children’s school performance, my 9-year-old daughter Claire astonished me with her opinion essay.

My daughter’s fabulous and energetic fourth-grade teacher shared her opinion essay on the importance of recess at our recent parent-teacher conference. As she complimented Claire on her writing proficiency, I was amazed by her connections, realizations, and discoveries on the advantages of school recess.

What does recess mean?

Let’s explore a delightful insight from a 9-year-old

“Do you think students should have recess or not? Recess is a time when children go outside and play. I believe students should have recess because it helps with learning and your brain, recess helps kids with social and emotional skills, and it makes young adults happier. This is why kids should have recess.

My first reason why students should have recess is because recess helps kids by helping them learn and their brains. Recess helps with cognitive abilities. When children are moving around, their brain grows. Recess can also help children with a hard time concentrating. Young adults with a hard time concentrating have a difficult time in class. In order for new learning to cement itself in the brain, kids need a break. According to Source 2: According to Pediatricians, Recess is the Best states, “People need a break or a rest from focused concentration.” This example shows that students need a break from work in order for new learning to be in their brains forever. All these reasons prove that recess is unbeatable.

Another reason why recess is important is because it helps students with social and emotional skills. When kids go outside and play with other children, they learn how to speak to other people. According to Source 2: According to Pediatricians, Recess is the Best. It states, “Recess gives students the chance to interact with their peers on their own terms.” This shows that recess helps children with social and emotional skills. Recess also helps kids with valuable communication. From my experience, students are talking nicer because of recess. Recess can also teach self-control. Without recess children would be rude to others. With all these reasons, recess is extremely important.

elementary school classroom children and teacher

Lastly, students should have recess because it makes kids happier. Children are learning more because they are focused. Without a break, it would be hard for young adults to focus. In my experience, I get really distracted without recess and recess helps me focus better in class.

Also, recess provides kids greater independence. Children get to choose what they want to do at recess and which friends they want to play with. According to Source 3: Texas School Triples Recess states, “Students don’t just focus better, but they have also shown greater independence, and they are better at following directions.”

Additionally, Source 3: Texas School Triples Recess, states “They have more friends, and they seem happier. Social skills have also improved since they have more unstructured times to practice by simply playing with their peers.” Kids are more happy to hang out with their friends and are happier to go back to the classroom after socializing with their friends. As you can see, recess makes kids happier.

In conclusion, I believe students should have recess because recess helps young brains to learn, it also helps children with social and emotional skills, and recess makes kids happier. This is why we should keep recess at schools. Please write a letter to your principal to convince to keep recess.” -written by Claire, age 9.

kids working hard in classroom after recess

The topic quietly impressed me, and I enjoyed the essay’s pure and uninfluenced opinion statements with personal references. Our fourth grader wrote this opinion essay independently of parental input and support as a class assignment.

Our young students do recognize, anticipate, and enjoy recess. Unstructured play, physical movement, and uniting with friends is a necessary break during a demanding academic day. Indeed, it boosts memory, attention, and concentration and increases test scores.

Conclusion

In summary, recess has multidimensional benefits in students’ overall development. While academic instruction is undoubtedly vital, so is recess. The implication of recess for children cannot be understated. While it might be tempting for schools to cut back on recess time to catch up academically, it is crucial to consider the countless benefits recess provides.

It’s important to understand that eliminating or reducing recess to catch up academically can be counterproductive. It can lead to decreased attention spans, increased classroom disruptions, and potentially reduced information retention. In essence, the benefits of recess directly and indirectly support academic success.

Recess should be considered an essential school day component, not just an optional break.

Let’s go out for recess!