New York – School children who receive more recess behave better and are likely to learn more, according to a large study of third-graders conducted by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.
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The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that a daily break of 15 minutes or more in the school day may play a role in improving learning, social development, and health in elementary school children. The study’s principal investigator is Romina M. Barros, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Einstein.
Dr. Barros looked at data on approximately 11,000 third-graders enrolled in the national Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. The children, ages 8 to 9, were divided into two categories: those with no or minimal recess (less than 15 minutes a day) and those with more than 15 minutes a day. There were an equal number of boys and girls. The children’s classroom behavior was assessed by their teachers using a questionnaire.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, free, unstructured play is essential for keeping children healthy, and for helping them reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones. Unstructured play also helps kids manage stress and become resilient.
However, some studies indicate that children are getting less and less unstructured playtime, a trend exacerbated by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. “Many schools responded to No Child Left Behind by reducing the time for recess, the creative arts, and physical education in an effort to focus on reading and mathematics,” says Dr. Barros.
A 2005 survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that the 83 percent to 88 percent of children in public elementary schools have recess of some sort. But the number of recess sessions per day and the duration of the recess periods have been steadily declining. Since the 1970s, children have lost about 12 hours per week in free time, including a 25 percent decrease in play and a 50 percent decrease in unstructured outdoor activities, according to another study.
The present study shows that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are especially affected by this trend. “This is a serious concern,” says Dr. Barros. “We know that many disadvantaged children are not free to roam their neighborhoods, even their own yards, unless they are with an adult. Recess may be the only opportunity for these kids to practice their social skills with other children.”
“When we restructure our education system, we have to think about the important role of recess in childhood development,” adds Dr. Barros. “Even if schools don’t have the space, they could give students 15 minutes of indoor activity. All that they need is some unstructured time.”
It is well known to those of us who have studied developmental issues such as Attention Deficit Disorder that daily robust exercise produces natural stimulants in the brain that relax and help students focus.
In fact, I’ve been advocating for years that cheder and mesivta students be required to begin their days with planned physical activities, sports leagues, exercise rooms, etc.
Of course, the so-called professional though untrained (i.e., no B.A.’s or graduate work of any kind) rosh yeshivas nix the idea without nary a word.
What we’ve been witnessing these past two decades are children who could have benefitted from the physical stimuli this study advocates.
The master of the obvious… what a waste of money on this study. We all know this is a great idea.
This study is based on kids who don’t behave. Recess is a waste of time. Recess was a time for bullies to harass smart gifted children. I your child had adhd bring him or her to a psychiatrist!
DUH! … Did somebody PAY for this foolish study? Who did not already know this?
May the person who did not already know this raise his hand.
Studies show that many yeshivah kids suffer from scoliosis because they sit all day in yeshivah bent over their books. They need to have some “sport” time!
as national research quite clearly shows that ALL children benifit when given more chance to refresh themselves i would ask the above to stop using ofensive language about children suffering from adhd
in respone to #2 i would like to stress that according to studies kids who suffer from ADHD can concentrate for long than other kid obviously this does not include reading writing ect
My oh my! What priceless knowledge these professors discover! next on the agenda- a study on whether a good night’s sleep is beneficial or detrimental to students overall health.
They really should delve into the fascinating differences between a burp, a sneeze, and a wind pass, at least we’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that our taxes are being used to further human knowledge
As a teacher myself, I can tell you that without a break, the kids lose focus and interest..and those of you who needed a study to prove this..I feel sorry for your kids!