After school, when you are walking home with your child and you ask them what their favorite part of the day was, chances are they will answer “recess!” During your elementary school days, the joy of playing kickball, jumping rope and swinging on monkey bars with your classmates was unlike any other experiences. Unfortunately, most kids today are denied the opportunity to experience this kind of joy as recess time is being cut in most American schools to make room for more learning. Cutting down on recess time, however, can do more harm than good since play is important for learning and is therefore necessary.

The Decline of Recess

The decline of recess can be attributed to America’s education policy that aims at making America’s education system more internationally competitive. This system introduces standardized tests in math and reading and achievement targets for schools. If schools miss to reach their targets, they will be subjected to penalties such as loss of funding. For these reasons, most schools choose to cancel recess time to make room for more learning in order to reach set targets.

Benefits of Recess

Getting kids out to play may be more beneficial to their learning than keeping them in classrooms the entire day. There are other ways recess is beneficial to kids such as:

• Recess eliminates childhood obesity: Recess offers kids opportunities to move around and therefore get closer to their 60 minutes of activity a day. This ensures that they do not struggle with childhood obesity.
• Recess promotes social skills: Recess allows children to socialize, work as a team and practice their conflict-resolution skills. Recess can also help prevent bullying, as well as gives children the chance to harness their negotiation and leadership skills. While playing and a conflict arises, children get to use these important life skills, ultimately becoming better individuals in life.
• Recess reduces stress: Sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin D and helps increase productivity and learning in children. Due to the immense pressure that the education system puts on kids to perform, engaging in physical activities will help the children to relax so they can be more alert when they return to the classroom.
• Physical activity improves brain function: Physical activity helps children to focus throughout the day. Learning is an integration of moving and thinking and therefore for the mind to function, the body needs to be alert and active at all times. Research has shown there exists a link between improved cognitive ability and regular exercise. It is important to encourage play especially among school going children.

Fitness Kid offers a wide range of indoor gym playground equipment that works perfectly to make up for lost recess time. Our products help keep your child active and healthy, ensuring they do not miss out on any part of their growth process. Contact us to learn more about our products and the services that we offer.