"The updated policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics comes after years of shrinking recesses and worsening children's health. The group "has always supported play - free play for kids - but it's been increasingly threatened over time," partly by the drive for higher test scores. "It has a very powerful benefit if it's used to the fullest.""
"For example, new evidence shows that kids need pauses between concentrated bouts of learning so the brain can hold and store the information. Researchers also say recess gives kids a chance to navigate relationships and build confidence, which is just as important for older kids as younger ones."
"Murray and his colleagues also stressed the importance of physical activity in preventing obesity, a condition that now affects about 1 in 5 U.S. children and teens. Given these benefits, they recommend that recess be protected and never withheld for academic or punitive reasons, as sometimes happens in schools."
""If the child is disruptive or rude and disrespectful, recess is one of the things that teachers use to punish kids," Murray said, adding that students struggling with behavioral issues or grades are often the ones who need recess most. But those students aren't the only ones losing out. Recess has been waning for all kids."
Recess is essential for children’s health and academic success. New guidance from pediatric experts emphasizes protecting unstructured play time at school. Evidence indicates that children need pauses between focused learning so the brain can store information. Recess also supports social development by helping children navigate relationships and build confidence. Physical activity during recess helps prevent obesity, which affects about one in five U.S. children and teens. Schools should not remove recess for academic or punishment purposes, even when students struggle with behavior or grades, because those students often need recess the most.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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