Recess is important for children of all ages, a major pediatrician organization said on May 11.
“Pediatricians should emphasize the following: A quality recess will reestablish mental equilibrium and focus, a need of every student, kindergarten through 12th grade, every day,” the American Academy of Pediatrics said in an updated policy statement. “As such, recess should be a protected block in the daily schedule and be considered a student’s personal time.”
Kids should not face a loss of recess for lagging academically or for poor behavior, the group said, and access to recess should be enshrined in state law.
The American Academy of Pediatrics cited research showing that recess improves children’s health, including both physical and mental health….