These Elementary Schools Increased Recess Time and Experienced Remarkable Benefits

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In recent years, a growing number of schools in Texas have discovered that increasing recess time can lead to impressive results. While many states limit recess to just 20 minutes a day, some don’t even provide that minimal break, prompting parents to advocate for more outdoor playtime for their children. Despite a general consensus on the necessity of play, the current educational system often prioritizes relentless performance and standardized testing over student well-being.

Last year, Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas, made a bold move by providing kindergarten and first-grade students with two 15-minute recess breaks in the morning and two in the afternoon. Additionally, they implemented an extra 15-minute break for students in higher grades, effectively doubling recess time. Initially, teachers expressed concerns about potentially sacrificing classroom instruction time, but after five months, they observed that students were more focused and engaged during lessons. It seems that a little fresh air and physical activity can work wonders for learning!

The success of this initiative caught the attention of three other schools in the district, prompting them to adopt similar schedules. Interestingly, this approach is based on a curriculum from the 1960s and 70s called Positive Action, which integrates recess and character-building activities to enhance student success. The new program, named LiiNK (Let’s inspire innovation ’n kids), was developed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a professor in the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“I initiated this program because I was disheartened by the burnout I saw in students by third grade and teachers within five years,” Dr. Mitchell shared with The Washington Post. “Inspired by Finland’s educational model, I spent six weeks there in 2011 to learn what we could adapt for our schools.”

The two fundamental components of recess and character development are what Dr. Mitchell identified as crucial for effective learning, drawing parallels to the strategies that Finland has maintained while the U.S. has shifted focus over the years.

One first-grade teacher, Kelly Barnes, initially felt anxious about the idea of having her class go outside four times a day while still covering the curriculum. However, she soon found that her students were more attentive, better at following directions, and increasingly capable of independent problem-solving, not to mention a decrease in behavioral issues.

In fact, studies have shown that students in large urban public schools in America face an overwhelming average of 112 standardized tests from pre-K through 12th grade, which amounts to 20 to 25 hours annually dedicated solely to testing.

Eagle Mountain Elementary’s principal, Tom Richards, is an advocate for the positive changes brought about by the revised schedules. “Essentially, we believe we are restoring childhood to children,” he remarked.

If you’re interested in learning more about innovative educational practices, check out this informative post on Cervical Insemination where we discuss various approaches to enhancing student well-being. Additionally, for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable syringe kits. For valuable insights on pregnancy and home insemination, explore Progyny’s blog.

In summary, increasing recess time in schools has shown to have a tangible positive impact on student focus, behavior, and overall learning outcomes, echoing a need for educational reform that prioritizes children’s well-being over mere academic performance.

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