Disadvantages Of Recess In Schools

Parents, teachers and educational system have questioned the role of recess in schools and how effective recess is to a child’s education. There are two major concerns addressed by those who opposed to recess. First, they claim that recess detracts a child from instructional time. Moreover, that recess periods randomly scheduled in school day, could potentially disrupt children’s work routine. Finally, they argue that recess promotes aggression and antisocial behaviors (A. D. Pellegrini & Peter K. Smith, 1994). Recess is defined as a temporary withdrawal or cession from the usual routine of academic work that help children decompress (e.g., “Recess” n.d.). Many Psychologist and other researchers have studied the effects of recess such as, the …show more content…
For starters, recess allows children to easily socialize without limitations (Dills, Morgan, & Rotthoff, 2011). During recess, children can build certain relationships with their peers that cannot always be formed a classroom setting due to the limitations. For example, allowing children to choose the level of physical activities and developing their own games permits them to build social relationships during recess (Dills et al., 2011). However, unlike the physical education courses that children are required to take in school, recess allows to them to use the amount of physical activity that they would like to by doing activities they enjoy. Physical education compels more rough activities than playing freely at their own choice and pace (Dills, Morgan, & Rottoff, …show more content…
It is not just a time of the day were children can be free and for teachers to receive a break. It provides them with a time to socially connect with their peers and figure their likes and dislikes. They can create relationships and work on skills that are needed for a lifetime. Recess also allows children to release all the energy that they build up throughout the day to help them become more attentive in the classroom. Inappropriate behaviors are also reduced when children have recess during the school day. My findings conclude with my hypothesis showing that recess does have a significant effect on the way children learn and process information throughout the school day. These theories are not proven to have 100% accuracy but with continuous study and research there can be more insight onto the topic. For instance, further research into this subject can compare the test scores of schools that allow recess daily against the schools that have eliminated recess overall. Also, looking at the disciplinary records of the students comparing the number of suspensions and expulsions based on whether the schools allowed recess or not. Recess in schools is a factor in child development that affects the way a child behaves in and out of school and should remain as part of the school