Give Me a Break
Recess. For most of us that word evokes warm memories of the best part of our school day: rushing onto a playground to feel the warm sun and move our bodies – such a relief after sitting through a monotonous lesson on multiplication. For me personally, recess was that and so much more. Beyond providing a mental break, recess opened doors for me socially that I thought were locked, and I am forever grateful for that. Knowing how life-changing playtime is, I’ve provided over 130 Lending Lockers full of sports gear for kids to use at recess.
What if I told you that not all elementary and middle school kids in the United States even have recess? Surprisingly, this is the case in states like Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Arizona, and even my home state, California. This is why California Senator Josh Newman introduced SB 291 in February 2023 which mandates that “elementary and middle schools in California will be required to provide students with a daily recess period of at least 30 minutes, to be held outdoors…while prohibiting the withholding of recess as a form of punishment or discipline.” Senator Newman argues, “Recess is the only unstructured time in the school day where students have the opportunity to stretch their social, emotional, and physical development through play, socialization with peers, and interactions with adults. It is essential that all California students have the right to this downtime every day, and that it is not withheld for punishment.” The bill received unanimous approval on September 13, 2023, and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
But why is this bill, and recess in general, so important? In 2021, the World Health Organization concluded that “Academic achievement was likely improved by increased time in physical education, a switch from seated activities to more ‘active’ classrooms, and regular physical activity…” This is because, as William Massey, an associate professor of kinesiology at Oregon State University, puts it, "The way our brains work, you can't go hours at a time and retain and store information in working memory." In other words, recess provides a much-needed break for students through physical activity, allowing them to focus better in class and accomplish more. Even in my own experience as a high school junior, having simple stretch breaks during our 75-minute classes helps me focus. In classes without these breaks, I notice a significant decrease in my mental energy and ability to concentrate.
Equally important, according to Hannah R. Thompson, an assistant professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, is the role recess plays in how kids learn to interact and regulate their own emotions. In support of Senator Newman’s bill, she shares, "There are countless documented benefits to school recess, including increased social and emotional development."
Additionally, according to UNICEF, making time for play even protects children from the negative impacts of prolonged exposure to stress. As someone who works out before school every morning, I can personally attest to this. On days where I don’t or can’t workout, I notice a difference in my mood and mentality going into the day. I feel a stronger sense of calm and mental clarity when I’ve gotten in my early morning run.
And as for withholding recess as a form of punishment, UC Santa Cruz professor and sociologist, Rebecca London argues, “There’s no evidence whatsoever that withholding recess elicits any kind of behavior that anybody wants. It’s not an evidence-based practice. There’s no research [supporting] it at all.”
The evidence is overwhelming. It is crucial that we get back to the basics of what we know is good for kids – good old fashioned movement and fresh air during the day – and that all states mandate this through policy.
