Don't take away recess

To the editor:

A new school year begins, for most students, with a review of rules and consequences. All too often, the consequence includes loss of recess; something that research shows to be ineffective and harmful.

It is generally the same children that, day after day, lose recess. With the increase in childhood obesity and the emphasis on healthy habits, removal of recess simply does not make sense. What research shows is that recess acts to "wake up" the brain by increasing oxygen flow. This allows for greater academic success. With recess, children have the chance to unwind and relax after hours in a classroom, while developing critical motor and social skills.

Children that are deprived of recess develop fatigue and restlessness at a greater rate, leading to more classroom misbehavior. P.E., now only offered once or twice a week in many elementary schools, is no substitute.

If we know that recess removal is ineffective and harmful, then what are the options? Some schools are exploring alternatives. South Elementary in Jackson, for example, has taken the approach that students still have recess but walk in a separate area outside.

Even better, some schools are addressing the problem with logical consequences. A student plays with items inside his desk? Turn the desk so the opening faces away. A student talks in class? Her desk is moved away from friends.

We have the research that tells us that recess removal is ineffective and contributes to low academic performance and obesity. Why, then, does it still continue?

Kathy Harris, Jackson