When I went to school the moment the bus arrived at the school we were released to run and play until school started. We generally had around 20-30 minutes before the first bell rand and we were expected in class. We then got a morning recess and another immediately following lunch.
These break downs weren’t just beneficial for our physical needs but our emotional and social ones as well. This was the time when we were forced to play games, run around, and mingle with kids that weren’t in our classroom and sometimes not even in our grade. This allowed us to build friendships past the 20 kids in our classroom all while burning off a few calories.
When my children began school I was shocked to find that the buses cut time so close that is anything happened they were late to school. The reason for this was because the kids aren’t allowed of the bus until 10 minutes before they are allowed in class.
Only Kindergarten and 1st and 2nd get both a morning and afternoon recess and those are only 15 minutes long. Once you reach 3rd grade you only get one afternoon recess until you go to the high school in 7th grade where there is no recess and phys. ed. is optional because of budget cuts.
Why in a time of over weight and inactive kids are we cutting out the only time they have to run around and get fresh air. I know as a parent I’d rather my children spend a hour longer in school if that hour was able to give my kids more time to get exercise, play with their friends, and get fresh air. It would help the teachers have time to get more work done at school and time to get things done they need. Do you know how much work a teacher brings home with them every night?
In the past twenty years, children have lost an average of 8 hours of recess a week. Danimals Rally for Recessis a national initiative designed to create healthy competition, pitting school against school. Go to Danimals Rally for Recess for a chance to win $20,000 for your Elementary school playground. Plus each day Danimals is giving recess-related prizes to keep kids healthy and active. Share your Recess memories below and go to Rally for Recess for more information on how your school can win!
I have partnered with Dannon/Danimals to help promote the “Rally for Recess” campaign. I have been compensated for my time and commitment to the program, which includes writing about the promotion and product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. Contest Rules.
We just keep taking away our children’s childhood one little thing at a time.
I really feel I am living in the wrong generation. It’s such a shame…
Why can’t kids be allowed to be kids for a while? When they’re not anymore (God willing), they’ll have a long time of no recess or any other thing we are hurrying by them.