How important is recess? | Treffert Center (2024)

Of course, it is well known that grade school students love recess. Recess is when students have independence – a necessary break from structured learning – and free time to socialize with each other. Children's natural form of communication is play. Play also helps kids learn how to get along with each other and feel good about themselves. In fact, participation in recess increases students’ attention, helps them stay on task, and improves performance in the classroom (Burson & Castelli, 2022).

Five Benefits of Recess

The American Academy of Pediatrics (2013) says that research has shown that any type of activity at recess “benefited cognitive performance afterward” (Murray & Ramstetter, 2013, p. 184).
Children’s natural form of language and communication is play. Playing with others helps them mature in ways that are unlikely to happen in the classroom (Burson & Castelli, 2022).
Recess provides a much-needed break (for students and teachers). It helps manage stress, promotes social skills, and allows for physical exercise. It also helps with creativity, and builds skills like cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving. (Murray & Ramstetter, 2013).
It is well known that physical activity is important in staying healthy and fit; it also improves brain function, mood, and sleep.
Time for free play benefits children inside and outside of the classroom. Recess has been linked to better classroom behavior (more attentive and productive) and can reduce bad behavior in the classroom (Blad, 2015; Burson & Castelli, 2022; Murray & Ramstetter, 2013).

Recess, Discipline, and Student Behaviors

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is “crucial and necessary” for a child’s development and should never be withheld to make room for school work or as punishment (Murray & Ramstetter, 2013).
Losing recess (K-5) as a form of discipline does not seem to be supported by research. In fact, reducing recess may make things worse.
Denying recess may promote the idea that some children are just “bad,” making them feel personally judged, rather than being disciplined for behavior or school work. It can also harm the relationship between the student and teacher (Fink & Ramstetter, 2018).
Relationships sometimes reach a breaking point. After a tough moment between student and teacher, the relationship can be repaired. Kids want to feel as though they belong. Repairing the break helps strengthen the connection and build mutual respect.

Tools to Manage Behavior

Grow relationships and connections with students. Positive relationships have shown to increase positive behavior.
Increase the amount of one-on-one time. Sometimes children need to talk with adults about the reasons for their behaviors. The best connections happen during stress-free moments so students can share their thoughts openly. When kids have positive relationships with adults, it helps the adults understand the source of some behaviors and better deal with them.
Explain the situation. Let the child know you accept their feelings, explain what behaviors are not acceptable, provide options, and encourage the behaviors you’d like to see.
Use calm, quiet corrections, silent signals, or stand close by to correct behaviors. If this does not work, bend down and whisper what you would like them to do and the consequence if they do not comply (e.g., removal from classroom, etc.). Avoid threats.
Implement a soft-landing – i.e., “check-in/check-out” system for students to give them a chance to connect and adjust before starting/ending the school day.
Provide positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior (e.g., classroom rewards, lunch with a favorite staff member, five minutes of free time, a piece of candy).
Losing lunch time with friends and eating in the office may be an alternative to losing recess time.

Conclusion

Teachers too require their own mental health breaks to model behaviors to students. Recess is one way to offer such a break to teachers and students. Removing recess as a form of discipline is not supported by research. In fact, one state has already passed a law that makes it illegal to withhold recess from a child as a form of punishment, since the research is so strong. Read more about the Minnesota law regarding recess.

References

Burson, S. L., & Castelli, D. M. (2022). How elementary in‐school play opportunities relate to academic achievement and social‐emotional well‐being: Systematic review. Journal of School Health, 92(10), 945–958.

Fink, D. B., & Ramstetter, C. L. (2018). “Even if they’re being bad, maybe they need a chance to run around”: What children think about recess. Journal of School Health, 88(12), 928–935.