Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


1

Schoolkids Need Less Work, More Play

Recess cutbacks creating unruly students, researchers discover

Share

(Newser) – Recess isn't just for fun, according to a new study, which has found that cutting back on playtime is harming schoolchildren. The loss of a 15-minute daily recess tended to make 8- and 9-year-old students unruly and deprived them of an opportunity to exercise and socialize, reports Reuters. The study attributed recess cutbacks to the federal No Child Left Behind program, which has pressured schools to crank up academics.

Recess tends to be even more critical for students from disadvantaged backgrounds because violence in their neighborhoods limits their chances to safely play outdoors at home as well as at school, researchers noted. "Recess may play an important role in the learning, social development, and health of children in elementary school," the research team concluded.

An empty playground at Center Elementary School in Waycross, Ga.
An empty playground at Center Elementary School in Waycross, Ga.   (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)
Researchers have found that recess is linked to better behavior in the classroom and allows kids important time to exercise and socialize.
Researchers have found that recess is linked to better behavior in the classroom and allows kids important time to exercise and socialize.   (PRNewsFoto/The International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association)
Eugene
Eugene "Wildcat" Edgerson of the Harlem Globetrotters recently coached schoolkids at Hollywood Hills Elementary School in Florida. Such free time is a key part of the school day, say researchers.   (AP Photo/Ginny Dixon)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

For many of these children, recess periods may be the only opportunity for them to practice their social skills with other children. - Albert Einstein College of Medicine study

[M]any school districts responded to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by reducing time committed to recess, the creative arts, and even physical education in an effort to focus on reading and mathematics. - Albert Einstein College of Medicine study

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
1 comment
VIEWING:
 
veloslug
Jan 26, 09 7:04 AM CST
Politicians run education on ideology not research. "When I was a kid...." "What's the matter with the kids these days...." Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

12 Stories

(Newser) - Arne Duncan isn’t quite the miracle worker Barack Obama made him out to be, according to a new study from a Chicago civic group. When Obama introduced his nominee for education secretary, he boasted that Duncan had boosted elementary school test results “From 38% of students meeting the... More »

MORE ABOUT:
education • Barack Obama • Chicago • Department of Education • Chicago School • No Child Left Behind • Arne Duncan

Obama Razes 'No Child Schoolhouse'

Bush-era name ditched as administration seeks to overhaul education law

Jun 23, 09 4:05 AM CDT
(Newser) - A model of a little red schoolhouse used to promote the launch of the federal policy "No Child Left Behind" is no more, the Washington Post reports. In a highly symbolic move, the structure at the entrance of the Department of Education and policy logos of the Bush administration... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Bush administration • education • Department of Education • No Child Left Behind • Obama administration • Arne Duncan

'No Child' Law Fails to
Narrow Racial Gap

Minority students lag behind whites despite overall improvements since 2004

Apr 29, 09 1:35 AM CDT
(Newser) - The achievement gap between white and minority students has not been changed by federal No Child Left Behind initiative, the New York Times reports. Scores from a federal test considered to be the most accurate yardstick of reading and writing proficiency show that elementary students have improved across the board... More »

MORE ABOUT:
education • race • No Child Left Behind • Obama administration • racial gap • Arne Duncan

12 Stories


Time for recess is shrinking
Center for Public Education

Low-income kids get less recess
USA Today


Science & Health 
TwitterFollow @NewserScience on Twitter

 
education • recess • No Child Left Behind • academic research • medical study

from our news partners