Is Recess Necessary?
Students at JC Booth benefit from recess after lunch.
January 10, 2022
This year, there has been a lingering question about whether it is safe for students to continue to have recess. With Coronavirus cases on the rise, students must be monitored closely, especially in large groups, causing many problems for teachers, administrators, students, and even parents. More so now that the new covid guidelines and variants are out, this may suspend recess for J.C Booth Middle School.
8th-grade science teacher Mr. Edinger says, “As a teacher, I’ve been doing this for 37 years, we’re in an environment the likes of which I’ve never seen… we’re going to go outside for ten minutes… get some sunshine, and take off these masks.” It is healthy for students to have breaks to help them “blow off some steam” and regroup after a lot of work. In this new normal, where masks are a requirement in the classroom, recess is a much-needed respite from the confinements of masks.
“Students should still get recess because they get breaths of fresh air, which helps build the immune system and help the body stay overall healthier than just staying inside all day,” 8th grader Gabriel Brooker said. According to the American Association of Pediatrics in a policy statement in 2013, middle schoolers should have unstructured play during their day to help them to develop social skills and build imagination. Physical activity should still be an important part of the day. According to activelivingresearch.org, an abundant amount of studies, such as the ones carried out nationally in South Korea and Australia, have proven accurate to the theory that time given to perform physical activities can lead to enhanced academic performance. Students’ necessity for a break is not just a statement that educators should take lightly, because it benefits the body by going outside. Even without COVID in the picture, obesity has been one of the leading causes of health concerns among students of all ages. In most primary and elementary schools, children, more often than not, are required to participate in physical education (P.E.) while having time to socialize and get their daily personal activity during recess. However, students in upper-grade levels can choose to opt out of recess if they prefer. Only the students in the P.E. classes are offered the chance to participate. Many, especially students, are supportive of the decision of having recess, yet others disagree.
The principal who brought us recess, Ted Lombard, says, “That’s one of my leadership styles; ‘Don’t say no. Let’s try something and see if it works out. Growth is important, and trying out new ideas for students is always better than nothing at all.” Rather than saying no, Ted Lombard made countless efforts and was able to bring recess to JC Booth Middle School. This year, students may have to take a step back.
Cilla Dunn • May 4, 2022 at 12:16 pm
I think this article is very true on recess. We need to get fresh air and hang out with friends.
WESTON • Apr 12, 2022 at 10:25 am
I agree with this article, I think it is important for us teens to go outside and play for a bit with are friends. It really helps us maintain are crazy as in are energy. If we have to much energy built up class can seme really borring and you might not want to do your class work and that’s important because it is a summative grade.
Edwin Romero • Feb 23, 2022 at 10:59 am
I agree with the article, I think that we should have recess because as it states in it, we need to build imagination. Also, we need recess to build social skills. As well as, I agree with Mr. Edinger, for we do at least need to get a little bit of time without our masks. I personally don’t like the mask, because they can get really irritating and itchy. We need recess as well because we might need a break from all the work we have to do during the day.
Eli • Feb 23, 2022 at 10:52 am
I agree because the kids should be available to have some fun and lose some energy
Marlee • Feb 23, 2022 at 10:48 am
This article shows that students who should have recess need the fresh air to take a break. Yes, there is the concern about covid but when you are you said it is a lot harder to get this vires, and recess is what we look forward to.