Studies Support The Value Of Recess

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the letter to the editor “Bring Back Recess” by Lynda Weber on November 19.  I agree 100 percent with Ms Weber that recess should be brought back to our schools.  There are numerous studies that support the value of recess in the process of learning. 

According to Dr Tony Pellegrini, a professor of child development at the University of Georgia, “Every study shows that children are more attentive after recess” (Johnson, 1998, p. A16). Pellegrini adds that not having a recess during the school day is almost inhumane because children are being kept confined in their classrooms for hours each day. Prolonged periods of confinement in elementary classrooms have been found to lead to increased fidgeting, restlessness, and subsequent inability to concentrate (Pellegrini & Davis, 1993).

In a quote from the American Associate of a Child’s Right to Play (www.ipausa.org) : The US Army acknowledges the need for a ten-minute break every hour during training sessions. This “at rest” session increases the likelihood of greater results when training over an extended period of time. Children should be treated with no less respect.

Following is a list of some websites that contain information about the value of recess and suggestions for how parents can be advocates for their children’s right to unstructured playtime as a break between sessions of concentrated classroom learning.

www.ericdigests.org/2003-2/recess.html

www.aahperd.org/naspe/pdf_files/pos_papers/current_res.pdf

www.ipausa.org/recesshandbook.htm

www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1998/06/10/39schult.h17.html

www.education-world.com/a_admin/admin088.shtml

www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/school.recess.html

www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-3496,00.html

www.endeavor.ocps.net/Handbook/handouts/elementary_school_recess.pdf

Joanne Marcinek

22 Honey Lane, Sandy Hook                                 November 26, 2004