Letter to the Editor

Recess is vital in schools

The Aug. 16 front-page article "Testing trouble" and the "Rules and consequences" sheet my child brought home from school (using removal of recess for discipline) reminded me that, once again, some of our schools are ignoring overwhelming data on the importance of recess.

A study in the February issue of Pediatrics found that students given daily recess time show improvements in behavior and academic performance. Another study by Dr. Olga Jarrett showed that one 15-minute recess resulted in children being more on task and less fidgety. We know from multiple studies that recess reduces stress, allows children to blow off steam, burns calories and promotes social skills. Movement increases the flow of oxygen, water and glucose to the brain, and this maximizes the brain's performance.

According to research, recess used as punishment is ineffective. It is a consequence unrelated to behavior. The same children tend to miss all or part of recess every day, which means it is not working. Since studies show that recess reduces behavioral problems, why take it away? Would we as adults like to be punished by having our work breaks removed?

We know that recess benefits children physically and emotionally, decreases behavior challenges in the classroom and increases academic performance and test scores. Everyone wins with recess. Our schools must make a change that benefits everyone and make recess a daily part of every child's schedule.

KATHY HARRIS, Cape Girardeau