A report by K-12 Dive suggests that recess may not be a simple or stress-free as one may think:
“Playing at school, it turns out, is not as simple as it sounds.
“Many children today are uncertain of what to play or how to initiate and end games. Conflicts arise about rules and who are the winners. The pandemic, educators say, stunted young children’s natural play development.
“As a result, educators, pediatricians and play advocates are encouraging schools to be more mindful and intentional about positive student-led play experiences at schools. They cite academic, physical, social and emotional benefits for kids when there is dedicated time for healthy, inclusive and safe play.
“According to the National Association of State Boards of Education, nine states — Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia — require daily recess for students. Each state has different policies for duration and the grade levels covered.
“Starting next school year, California public schools will be required to provide at least 30 minutes of recess to elementary students, under a law passed in 2023. Recess, the law says, should be held outdoors when weather and air quality permits.”
To read the full article, click HERE.