Is Recess That Important Anymore?
I read this article in The New York Times and I think it is terrific and important for both parents and educators to read. When recess, and play for that matter, are over looked in schools it’s just plain wrong. I take my 5th grade class to play soccer for up to two hours every week. And when I taught first grade, I would take my students to the local park to go hiking every Friday afternoon, from lunch until dismissal. It was great for all of them. No matter what neighborhood the school is in, even if they don’t have a playground (block off the street) kids need to play.
Here is an excerpt from “The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess”, written by Tara Parker-Pope, to give you a taste:
Also, teachers often punish children by taking away recess privileges. That strikes Dr. Barros as illogical. “Recess should be part of the curriculum,” she said. “You don’t punish a kid by having them miss math class, so kids shouldn’t be punished by not getting recess.”
This is a short article. Read it. Share it with friends. And if your school is trying to cut recess, print it out and bring it to the principal. Recess cannot go.
March 22nd, 2009
