Kids Should Have Recess in Grades K-8th

                                          Kids Should Have Recess in Grades K-8th

Kids focus more when they have recess. Kids' minds are not able to truly focus on their studies for more than 30-45 minutes. Even then some kids do not engage in their studies, or they zone out. But with 15 minutes of recess, every hour kids are proven to be more engaged and get a higher likelihood of getting a better grade on a test. Recess also allows the kids to just be kids and relax. Therefore, kids in K-8th should get recess.


First, recess helps kids engage and focus more on their studies. Cindy Griggs, a kindergarten teacher, tried out 15 minutes of recess every hour and the results stated students went from always being antsy to engaged for 45 minutes. If they do not get their energy out behavior problems and disruptions will happen more often and worse than before.

Furthermore, kids fidget less and their mind wanders less. Deb McCarthy started seeing an increase in behavior and anxiety problems from her 8-year-old students after not being able to have recess. After recess kids are settled down and are able to focus on their studies without disrupting the class and fidgeting. If kids can not have recess the behavior problems and anxiety will increase to a point where they are not able to focus and comprehend. 

Finally, recess gives the brain time to relax and rest. It also gives the brain to destress. Kids can be kids at recess, and they can use up their building energy, so they can focus more on school. In 2009, 11,000 3rd graders showed that putting more time in for play improved their likelihood of test scores. At the same time, recess means less time for academics. However, research from the American Heart Association states that recess is crucial to kids' social and emotional development. The American Heart Association also says it helps kids perform better academically. Therefore, recess is necessary for kids in grades K-8th.

All of these reasons and more are why recess helps kids. Recess destresses and helps kids focus on their studies. So, help spread awareness for this issue in schools around the world by bringing it to your teachers, principals, student council, and school board.