All work and no play: should elementary schools ban recess?

Id say no... kids need that time outside playing with other kids. they needs the excersice and the fresh air.

I think having a 15 minute break is healthy, the kids need to recharge so that they can focus on their lessons. It also helps them socialize and appreciate the concept of work and play.

I don't think so I guess it's part of schooling already to have at least 15 minute break. But, then it's important that children given breaks too in their daily routine and recess is just the thing that could break that monotomy.

I personally think it is first of all not right, second down right stupid. Now you will have teachers and schools complaining that Johnny or Jane arent sitting thru school. Then it will be we think she/he has ADHD lets medicate, yep that is the answer! NOT! Children are not made to sit all day without breaks. I really think one thing that is wrong in schools is that they want all to be little adulds, once agian, they arent in any way adults. As an adult we are seemingly at times getting more free time then children. They go to school and work, then come home and have more work (homework). Now they want to take the 1/2 hour that they they get during the day to release at least some of the energy that they have. Homeschooling is looking better all the time!

No, I don't think recess should be banned. My son gets a 20 minute recess everyday and the teacher even gives the class a chance to earn a bonus recess about once a week. I think the break from learning helps the kids settle down and focus more in the afternoon. My sons recess is right after lunch. I think it also helps them not drag after a filling meal.

No way! children of that age require the "more-play" policy and not the "more-work" policy! If they will spend all the time inside their class rooms then there will be very little chance for there overall development. I think recess shouldn't be banned at all.

I have never heard of a school taking out or even thinking about taking out recess. Recess is an important part of the day. When I use to work in the school system, I always took my kids out for at least 15 mins. We did this twice a day, sometimes 3 times a day. It's not just so they can play, it's so they can get up, stretch their bones & get some fresh air & then back to work we go. So I don't agree recess should be banned, ever! I think it's very helpful, even more helpful for those kids that might have a hyperactive problem. Being able to just get out for 15mins to stretch & breath some fresh air does wonders for the childs brain! :D

No, of course, getting rid of recess is a bad idea. I think kids are obese and eliminating recess will not a good idea. It'll also make kids more hyper and, sadly, in some cases eliminates the only safe playground in the area,

I think that it is important for the kids to have a break during the school day. My daughters school goes outside every day for lunch and after the kids eat, they can run and play. Now that the snow is here, no more outside time. There is one kindergarden teacher who brings her class outside every day. She has them bring snowpants, boots , mittens, hats ect so that they can all go outside and burn off that energy.

I think this would simply stress out the kids more. Granted they can't wait for recess and are excited and don't concentrate on schoolwork but once they're out there playing, they come back a refreshed kid and ready to learn again. I'm a college student now and when i have a lot of homework and sit down to do it for a while i always need to take a little break here and there and refresh my battery so i can go at it some more. We're only human, i think that's insane to take away a kids recess.

This is such a stupid idea from supposedly educated people. Our kids are fat enough now, the recess should be expanded not eliminated. They sit around all day, bussed home, then sit around all evening doing hours of homework. The solution seems to be soak their minds in narcotics like Ritalin so they will pay attention. Kids need to get outside in the fresh air and run around to develop their heart and lungs.

Recess should not be banned, as it's the only time where the children can take their snacks. Other children can't even take their breakfast, in order not to be late with their first early subjects and relied on the recess time instead. Should they play a little, this is just for them to have a break with the pressures. maybe they're encountering inside the classrooms or in order not for them to get bored. Even employees take their breaks what more of these kids...

What are they doing in place of recess? More class time? Even when training adults, you give them a break! Like a lot of others on this thread, I am curious to know why this decision was made by the school system. At least teachers are trying to do the right thing by the children.

I dont think that it should be banned. If it is banned, then kids wont have the true fereedom to express themselves.

I don't understand why the recess should be banned. What are the reasons for banning the recess? Young kids should have time to enjoy themselves and have fun. By having those physical activities, they can build up relationships and teamwork with friends too. Playing games actually can help building their communication, creativity and teamwork. I always think everyone should have time to have fun but not only work, work and work.

The average mind of an adult is concentrated for about 80 or 90 % of an hour time to a teaching class and that only decreases if no recess is allocated so i think it should never be banned as it has it's purpose of relaxing the brain and preparing it for yet another hour of schooling.

I don't believe that recess should be banned...in fact, I believe that physical activities for children should be increased since we have so many children who are overweight due to inactivity these days. Kids need a break from the structure of the classroom...especially the younger ones...so cutting out recess is something I am very much against.

Elementary schools should not ban recess. Children do not spend enough time playing. Remember, play is a child's most important work. Kids learn a lot at recess, including teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, and conflict resolution. Lengthen the school day rather than taking away childhood from these kids.

I wonder why. The kids are already so pressured by academics, parental and societal expectations - why would the recess be eliminated when it could have provided a little breath of fresh air for the poor things? It's like you said it - all work and no play; but it won't make them any smarter. I worry that we will have a lot of stressed kids!

Schools are starting to ban recess? I find that crazy. Recess doesn't cost anything, what is the point of banning it? Kids that are stuck in a classroom all day need to expend some energy, it's good for them physicaly and will help them be able to concentrate better. It is also makes things easier for teachers.