With the emphasis on assessment these days, it is virtually impossible for teachers to meet all of their program requirements in one day. As a result, things like free play, hands-on learning and, yes, recess for children are being cut.

This is what happens in most schools do not even have standards to guarantee recess time. As more and more schools cut recess, teachers are seeing how counterproductive this decision is. We see our children moving. We notice when they start to ignore us. And we know that doesn't help the test results.

A study based on more than two million school tests concluded that scores improved dramatically when exams were taken immediately after recess. In addition, the LiiNK study mimicked practices in Finland by giving children four 15-minute breaks per day. The results show that off-task behaviors decreased by 25%, concentration improved by 30%, and reading and math scores also increased.

This makes perfect sense as the students get a brain break. Recess should be part of the school day. Students focus more on assessment or lessons after this period of relaxation.

Recreation develops socio-emotional skills .

Playtime in elementary school provides students with some of their earliest opportunities to learn and practice social skills, such as sharing, interacting, giving and negotiating, and just getting along with them. others. The pupils discuss and find solutions to the problems. They learn to control their emotions. They have eye-to-eye interactions without the temptation of a digital device.

Playtime gives children the vitamin D they need so much.

The American Academy of Pediatrics tells us that vitamin D, which we can all get naturally from the sun, is really important. Plus, school learning, productivity, reduced stress, heart health, and reduced risk of diabetes are all linked to sun exposure.

Children need vitamin D as much as adults, and they can get it during playtime. Even in winter, especially in winter, it is important to carry out reconstruction. Bad weather shouldn't affect recess unless it's really bad outside. The kids won't care. They just need to get dressed, get some fresh air, and experience the outdoors. After all, it's good for their health. (It's good for a teacher's health, too!)

Students behave better in class with more recess. We don't need research to tell us that kids need to move around during the day. Teachers know their students. When students work too long, we see the symptoms. The children start to fall from their chairs. They start throwing away pencils and pencils for no reason. They do the Fortnite dances.

We know that, that's all.