Amid all of the current pressures to get students to achieve on standardized tests, school administrators in some districts around the United States have created extra academic time for their students by getting rid of something they feel is no longer useful: recess.

However, a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a division of Adolescent and School Health, demonstrates recess can improve students’ attention so they can focus better in the classroom.  The study also reveals what some elementary teachers have known for years:  letting kids take short breaks to engage in some form of physical activity helps kids return to their academic tasks with greater interest and enthusiasm.  And finally, participating in extracurricular sports or intramurals can improve students’ attendance, grades and graduation rates. 

As if we needed more proof about the importance of physical activity for children, we have a new government review of research that confirms that children who take activity breaks during the school day are often better able to concentrate on their lessons and may even score better on standardized tests.

Over the last decade the trend has been to reduce recess or playtime so that kids could focus on preparing for state tests.  Even without research, the move seemed counterintuitive to some teachers.  Kids need air, sunlight and unstructured play in the early years along with organized games and team sports as they mature. 

Does your school dedicate a portion of the day for recess?  As always, we at School Announcement invite you to share your opinions.