Cutting recess in favour of more learning time

 

In some schools, there has been an attempt to ensure that there is an increase in learning time at the expense of recess. This has come about because of the desire to enhance the performance of students. However, it is pertinent to note that this might be counterproductive because children do not get time to enjoy unstructured play, which is actually more beneficial to them. This paper makes the argument that recess is beneficial to children and that it should not be cut since it prevents children from attaining their full academic potential.

The participation of students in physical activity allows for the improvement of brain function. It allows students, especially children, to focus and have control over themselves throughout the day because they expend a considerable part of their restless energy. Students that gain regular exercise will often have enhanced cognitive abilities (Adams 55). This ensures that they are better able to remain mentally fresh throughout their lessons, and the long hours involved, without getting distracted. Furthermore, the learning process is greatly enhanced because the students involved are better able to understand the subject matter and take them on as needed.

Recess is also important because it ensures the effective development of social skills among students. It provides more time for students to undertake socialization, while at the same time fostering conflict resolution as well as teamwork (Veiga et al. e1957). Furthermore, recess provides an opportunity for students to ensure that they take in important life lessons through conflict resolution among themselves as well as playing complex games that enhance their appreciation of rules. It further pushes students to develop vital negotiation and leadership skills that prevents bullying, and can be extremely useful when they leave school and take on the work environment.

Moreover, recess plays an important role in fighting obesity in childhood. It provides children with an opportunity to play which in turn allows for regular physical exercise. This process is significant in allowing them to lose excess weight and stay healthy (Ramstetter, Murray and Garner 518). It is noteworthy that the recommended play time for children is 60 minutes daily, but this becomes difficult when recess time is cut in exchange for increased learning time. Recess provides an opportunity for children to have an active and healthy lifestyle which can help them to develop habits that they can maintain for a lifetime. Thus, they are less likely to struggle with issues concerning obesity and instead, they will remain healthy.

In addition, recess plays an important role in the reduction of stress among students. Outdoor recess ensures that their overall mood and health are enhanced through experiencing sunshine and fresh air (Chawla et al. 2). Furthermore, sunshine is an important source of vitamin D, which ensures an increase in productivity and learning. The physical activities that these individuals get involved in during recess are also important because it ensures a reduction in the levels of stress while at the same time allowing them to become more relaxed. Within an academic setting, this is important because students are better able to enhance their performance while at the same time preventing them from dwelling on stressful situations that they may be dealing with outside school.

Recess is an important aspect of school life and should not be cut. It provides children with an opportunity to take a break from the structured form of their activities and instead encourages them to take on more play time, which is beneficial for both their physical and mental health. It further ensures that there is the reduction of stress among them while also encouraging them to develop valuable social skills that will be beneficial to them for the rest of their lives.