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You’ve probably heard stories about how American kids are lagging behind the education of kids in other countries. And now, there’s some new guidance out, demanding American kids get more . . . RECESS.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that recesses have been shrinking over the years, and that’s worsening children’s health.
Physical activity is vital, now that in 1 in 5 American kids are dealing with obesity. And recess also gives kids a chance to “navigate relationships and build confidence, which is important for older kids [and] younger ones.”
But it isn’t just exercise. The report says these breaks are “essential for kids’ academic success and mental, physical, social, and emotional growth.”
Recess isn’t just about seeing if you’re picked first or last in kickball . . . new evidence shows that kids need pauses between periods of learning so the brain can hold and store the information.
Recess is also a great time to de-stress and blow off some steam.
Since the mid-2000s, up to 40% of school districts nationwide have reduced or nixed recess altogether.
There’s no benchmark for recess: It ranges from less than 10 minutes at some schools to more than an hour at others. According to the latest studies, students should get “a minimum of 20 minutes a day and multiple breaks.”
(AP)
