Rethinking recess

As Jacki told us last week, this week is dedicated to getting kids outside and exercising. A few years ago, there was a push to limit or eliminate recess at school, so that more time could be focused on academics. Though there are still pockets where schools still believe in that idea, thankfully, most schools are seeing the light. Recess is an excellent time for kids to get some much needed activity in the middle of the school day so that they can return refreshed and revitalized to their studies. In addition, recess contributes to the 60 minutes of exercise kids need every day.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently funded a program called Sports4Kids. Instead of a free-for-all type recess, adults engaged kids in structured physical activities and taught conflict resolution. Kids in schools who participated in the program felt more confident, safer, and were more likely to participate in active games outside than before. This program suggests that in some schools where kids are no longer exercising at recess, it might be time to reconsider how the break time is handled so that they can participate in meaningful, active play.

To learn more about Sports4Kids, check out their website.