The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess
When I was a kid I specifically remember that we had recess right after lunch and then another 20 to 25 minute recess later in the afternoon. We played on the swings, merry go round, played touch football, and generally had a good time. Well it appears that kids are getting less and less recess as the focus on standardized tests and other instructional time.
A new study that was mentioned in the NY Times, The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess , reinforced the importance of the classroom time paired with some good ole healthy recess.
I read a book called ‘Life without Lawyers’ that gave an example of a school in California that was sued because a child was injured during an activity during recess. The school decided that it was too risky to allow the children to play at recess and eliminated it all together. The point was that we are moving towards a zero risk society to limit our liabilities, but it is taking away our freedoms at the same time. Pretty sad to think about when I look back on my childhood and remember the good times that I had in school and the relationships that I built. Many of those memories were built upon things that will no longer be allowed because of rhe risk of lawsuits. I’m all for recess! Even at work!