Recess Is 'Crucial' for Kids
Jan-02-2013

Kids aren't getting enough recess at school, the country's top pediatricians' group said in a new policy statement released Monday.
The statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics is the latest salvo in the long-running debate over how much of a young child's time at school should be devoted to academics -- and how much should go to free, unstructured playtime.
The authors of the policy statement write that the AAP "believes that recess is a crucial and necessary component of a child's development and, as such, it should not be withheld for punitive or academic reasons."
"The AAP has, in recent years, tried to focus the attention of parents, school officials and policymakers on the fact that kids are losing their free play," said the AAP's Dr. Robert Murray, one of the lead authors of the statement. "We are overstructuring their day. ... They lose that creative free play, which we think is so important."
The statement, which cites two decades worth of scientific evidence, points to the various benefits of recess. While physical activity is among these, so too are some less obvious boons such as cognitive benefits, better attention during class, and enhanced social and emotional development.
Pediatricians not directly involved with the drafting of the statement applauded the AAP's move to save recess.

Click the link below for the rest of the article!

Visit Website

Posted by Ken at 1:43 AM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print