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Debate,

Should Recess be Longer?

Many schools have cut recess to focus more on math and reading. But is it just as important to have time to play?

By Allison Friedman and Tricia Culligan

From the May/June 2022 Issue

Lexiles: 600-700L

Featured Skill: Supporting an Argument,

The Story
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You cram one last bite of sandwich into your mouth. Then you rush outside for recess. You’ve been waiting for this all morning: Sunshine! Fresh air! Kickball! You’re lining up the perfect shot when—BRIIIIIIINNNNG. The bell rings to call you back inside. Sound familiar?

Over the past 20 years, many schools have squeezed recess out of the schedule to focus more on learning. Schools across the country have shortened recess—or even cut it completely.

Now, many kids, parents, and teachers want to bring back longer recess. But do kids need more time to play?

You cram one last bite of sandwich in your mouth and rush outside for recess. You’ve been waiting for this all morning: Sunshine! Fresh air! Kickball! You’re just lining up the perfect shot when—BRIIIIIIINNNNG. The bell rings to call you back inside.

Sound familiar?

Over the past 20 years, many schools have squeezed recess out of the schedule to focus more on learning. As many as 40 percent of school districts have shortened recess—or even cut it completely.

Now, more and more kids, parents, and teachers are fighting to bring recess back. A handful of states, including Florida and New Jersey, have even passed laws giving students more free time.

But do kids need more recess?

Healthy and Happy

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You’re probably thinking, “Of course we do!” And a lot of experts would agree.

Doctors say kids need an hour of exercise each day. Running around at recess can help kids stay healthy.

Playing outside gives students a boost inside the classroom too. Research shows that physical activity helps your memory and focus. That may be why schools with more recess often have higher test scores.

You also build important life skills on the playground. You learn how to get along with others. You dream up creative ideas. These skills will come in handy—whether you’re working on a group project now or creating an invention later in life.

You’re probably thinking, “Uh, YEAH.” And a lot of experts would agree with you.

Doctors say kids need an hour of exercise each day. But between homework and family time, it can be hard to get enough. Cartwheeling around at recess can help keep kids healthy.

Playing outside gives students a boost inside the classroom too. Dr. Robert Murray, a pediatrician who studies recess, says it gives your brain an important break. “You return to the classroom calm and ready to learn,” he explains. That may be why schools that have added more recess report a rise in test scores.

And recess helps students long after the bell rings. Research shows that kids can build important life skills on the playground. You learn how to get along with others. You dream up creative ideas. You practice leading a team. These are skills you’ll need someday to start a company or create a dazzling new invention.

Not Enough Time

COURTESY JENNIFER JENNINGS

Reid Jennings, Third Grade

But others say the school day is too jam-packed for more recess. After all, the skills you learn during classes like math, science, and reading are also important. More recess could mean less time for these classes or for creative activities like art or music.

Besides, recess isn’t fun and games for everyone. Some kids get picked on. Others get left out.

Plus, there are the injuries: sprained ankles, broken wrists. Just ask third-grader Reid Jennings. He broke his finger during a basketball game at recess this year. For over a month, he had to wear a cast and couldn’t play basketball and other sports.

Still, Reid says his school’s 35-minute recess is one of his favorite parts of the day. “It’s easier to focus in class once you get all of your energy out,” he says. “You can play sports, use your imagination, and just have fun.”

But some say the school day is too jam-packed for more recess. Many teachers say they’d love for kids to have fun outside. But tests have gotten tougher. They need every spare minute to teach math and reading. (And you need those skills to become an inventor too.)

Besides, recess isn’t all fun and games. Some kids get picked on. Others get left out. And then there are the injuries: sprained ankles, broken wrists.

Adult supervisors can help keep the playground safe and peaceful. But schools can’t always afford to hire people for this job.

Still, some argue that recess is worth fighting for. “It gets me focused and gives me more energy,” explains 9-year-old Noah Browning. Noah lives in Florida, where a new law gives kids 20 minutes of recess each day. “Everybody deserves a break,” Noah says.