Opinion: I Research Play – and Here’s Why Recess is Much More Important Than Just a Fun Break

This article was originally published in The Conversation. School recess has long been considered a standard part of children’s education in the United States. But it’s more than just a fun break from sitting at a desk. Daily recess is necessary for supporting young children and adolescents’ learning, as well as their physical and mental health. It’s so important that the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that reducing the amount of time set aside for playing, running and exploring in order to fit in more academic work could actually be counterproductive. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter But in recent decades many schools have cut back on recess, which many states do not require. As a scholar who researches childhood play, I have studied and witnessed the benefits of play in children’s lives, including the significant social, emotional and cognitive impacts it has on students’ overall well-being.

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