Recess

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Recess is a general term for a period of time in which a group of people is temporarily dismissed from its duties. In parliamentary procedure, a recess is initiated by a motion to recess. It was invented by Bronson Alcott who wanted his students to have active physical play and time to talk.^{[citation needed]}

In education, "recess" is the North American term (known as "playtime" or "break" in the UK and Ireland, sometimes "playlunch" or "little lunch" in Australia^{[citation needed]}, or "interval" or "morning tea" in New Zealand) for a daily period, typically ten to thirty minutes, in elementary school where students are allowed to leave the school's interior to enter its adjacent outdoor playground, where they can play on such recreational equipment as seesaws and swing sets, or engage in activities such as basketball or four square.

Importance of play in child development

Although no formal education exists during recess (this fact being touted most often by the children themselves), sociologists and psychologists consider recess an integral portion of child development, to teach them the importance of social skills and physical education. Play is essential for children to develop not only their physical abilities, but also their intellectual, social, and moral capabilities ^[1]. Via play, children are able to learn about the world around them. By role playing, children are able to experience, and gain insight on, a socio-emotional level. Psychomotor learning also gives children clues on how the world around them works as they can physically demonstrate such skills. Children need the freedom to play in order to learn skills needed to become competent adults such as coping with stress and problem solving ^[2]. Via caregivers observations of children’s play, one is able to identify deficiencies in children’s development ^[3].

If the weather is bad, recess may be held indoors, in the classroom, where the students finish work, play board games or other activities that take more than one to play. This helps encourage group activity and some of the games are also educational. Or, they might play educational computer games or look at books.

Changes to recess

In North America, the point where recess ends in a child's education is largely dependent on the school district, though by many standards it is removed when the child enters middle school. However, in high school and college, students usually have free periods, which are similar in spirit, although usually one studies or talks with one's friends during such times rather than playing games, which is made difficult by the lack of a playground.

With the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, many schools have significantly cut back on the amount of recess time for children. Some have even eliminated recess all together. With the focus now on preparing the children for testing into the next grade, there is less time to incorporate physical education or recess into the curriculum ^[4].

Effects of limiting recess

Data suggests that students who lack opportunities for play do not grow into happy, well adjusted adults ^[5]. And although schools are now focusing their attention on the test scores while eliminating recess/P.E, studies show that recess and/or P.E. actually helps increase test scores as the students are more alert. Exercise can also improve memory and problem solving skills. Additionally, exercise increases the production of endorphines such as dopamine, which are often noted as the chemical in the brain that makes people "happy." ^[6].

Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes are also a major concern as the United States youth do not get the physical outlet needed not only for their cognitive development but for their physical health ^[7]

International recess

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, high school students traditionally do not have 'free periods' however they do have 'break' which normally occurs just after their 2nd lesson of the day (normally referred to as 2nd period). This generally lasts for around 20 minutes. During break snacks are usually sold in the school's canteen and students normally use this time to socialize or finish off any homework or schoolwork that needs to be finished. Once break is finished students go to their next classroom to start period 3. Lunchtime usually starts just after period 4 and lasts around 50-60 minutes. This system is more or less the same in Junior schools in the UK and Ireland, however Infant Schools will normally add another breaktime towards the end of the day. Another difference in Junior and Infant schools compared to high schools is the use of play equipment (such as hula hoop, skipping rope, balls etc.) available to play with, as is a playground (with climbing walls, swings etc.)

In Australia and New Zealand, generally in public schools "recess" occurs as a break between morning and mid-morning classes. It is followed after mid-morning classes by a more lengthy break, lunchtime. Thus, the structure of the school-day consists of three lesson blocks, broken up by two intervals: recess and lunch respectively.There must be at least an hours worth of "recess" or "free period" a week.

In The USA recess is almost completely removed, from kindergarten to middle school, and in Washington State recess, and P.E. (physical education) are being removed.

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