Over time, recess has gotten progressively shorter. Now, many parents view recess as a mere “break from learning.” In reality, the playing and interactions your child experiences during recess are essential to developing social, emotional, self-regulation, and creative skills. Parents need to understand that the dichotomy of learning vs playing (recess) is not the issue. Rather playing is learning- learning the life skills and lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Benefits of a longer recess
Better social-emotional development
In the modern era, children rarely play with their friends outside of school; they lack the non-structured, natural social development that was previously common. In class, teachers expect children to stay quiet and listen. Some schools even discourage children from talking at lunch- it’s no wonder children are struggling with empathizing, reading social cues, and socializing.
Children learn best through experience; unstructured play allows your children to learn social skills through real life-scenarios with their peers. If we give children enough time, recess is a perfect time for them to pick up on social cues and freely engage with others.
Trains self-regulation skills
During recess, children need to regulate their urges and emotions to get along with others. Developing and practicing these regulation strategies (waiting, taking turns, negotiation) allows children to control their impulses and empathize with others. Self-regulation skills are closely linked to social skills. If a child does not want to take turns playing with a toy, your child might learn that sharing is an important trait needed to make friends.
Encourages creative play
An average recess session is 20 minutes, while it usually takes 45-60 minutes for children to plan and immerse themselves in creative play. Creative play is when children devise complex and elaborate play schemes using their imagination. These schemes usually require a high degree of problem solving skills, persistence, and engagement.
Recess increases focus
Research shows that when recess is under 30 minutes, children come back into the classroom even more energized and distracted. However, a 45-60 minute recess helps physically regulate your child’s body and increases focus once they are back into the classroom. Having a 45-60 minute recess time has shown to improve academic performance and attention span.
Exercise is good for the brain
Numerous studies have shown that brain activities are activated by physical activities. There are many physiological benefits of exercise, one of which is increased readiness to take on challenges in the classroom.
Tutor Time and recess.
At Tutor Time, recess is an important part of the daily routine, where students re-energize and refocus by giving their brains a rest and participating in child-led activities. Playground time provides the time and space for the students to engage in natural socialization and unstructured play. All programs have a 60 minute recess period split between the two language classes in half hour blocks with shorter brain breaks built into small group and large group time to maximise the students capacity to learn and develop.
Sources
https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Children-s-Health-Wellness/why-kids-need-recess.html
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/longer-recess-stronger-child-development-angela-hanscom
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/recess-makes-kids-smarter/
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/01/recess-helps-kids-learn-better-in-school
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