There has been a lot of discussion in the media lately regarding the disturbing trend of discontinuing recess in elementary schools. It appears that with the implementation of standardized testing, the quantification of academic performance has taken on a new meaning. Performance results can be linked to funding decisions. The consequence of this is more pressure on schools and subsequently for teachers to achieve high scores. This has led to a desperate need for more academic time at the expense of recess and physical education.
This is a very bad idea. IQ is being emphasized at the expense of EQ. Children need to be provided opportunities to develop social skills, problem solving, tolerance, cooperation, empathy, and getting along with others. Unstructured play during recess is also important for enhancing creativity. In addition to academics these skills have all been found to be crucial to success in life.
Schools can learn something by taking the lead of the business community. Ergonomics is the study of how to adapt the work place to the worker. It emphasizes efforts to making the work place more user friendly by minimizing stress. Studies have shown that taking breaks (recess) is crucial for minimizing error and fatigue and maximizing productivity, quality, and morale. As general rule workers require 5 to 10 minute breaks every one to two hours, depending on the nature of their work.
Findings in cognitive research shows that the human brain learns best when presented with no more than seven previously unassociated bits of information. Seven concepts are about as much as we can effectively assimilate.
The bottom line is that breaks help us learn more effectively. Pushing on without short breaks can be counterproductive. Kids need time to discharge energy, get some fresh air and “reboot” their computer. We wonder why more and more children are diagnosed ADHD.
