Playtime and Nature Time

[Zuzu's Garden]

Here is an article in the NYTimes this morning with a link to a study that supports why children need recess, and how recess, fitness classes and time spent in nature improves a child's performance in the classroom.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html?8dpc

How is it that we know it's important, studies prove that it is important, but schools do not see it?

Zuzu

[Deb D]

Don't get me started on this subject...

The good news is that there is a movement in the Forest Service to connect with kids outdoors. The realization is that if we don't connect people to nature, there won't be any need for public land except to extract resources from. Last year I read a book called Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. It's very influential, so I have hope.

[chyna]

The recess thing is one of my sore spots. When my dd is having trouble completing a project her teacher keeps her in during the recess. Is it me or wouldn't it make more sense for the kid to get out and clear her head a bit and then get back to it? I know they ahve schedules but come on!!!! :( And the teacher is concerned that she doesn't have any friends that she interacts with in class. And when would that happen? Oh right, at recess!!! :rolleyes:

[WannaBHomemaker]

I hear that tanya! But at least your daughter still has recess. My mom teaches 3rd grade and I don't think they get recess at all unless it's like a "fun" day or something!

[Breezy]

I read sometime ago that recess is the most important part of a child's school day. It's where he/she learns to interact/communicate with others among other things.
Tanya maybe you should point that out to your daughter's teacher ~ she obviously doesn't know it.;)

[Lynzee]

Our little one is in kindergarten. They do not get recess. The state mandates what the children have to have learned during the school year in order to advance to the next grade and it's so much that the teachers struggle to get it all in. We try to compensate by allowing her to go to after school care for half an hour to an hour each day, so she has the opportunity to interact/socialize with other children.

[RoseMary]

I don't think our nieces and nephew in FL get a recess, either. I can't imagine who thought this would help the kids learn:eek:. My nine year old nephew in TX sits at lunch and watches the horses in the pasture across the road from the school. At least he has those to watch since he isn't allowed to talk.

In our area, the schools do still have recess. Our high school has ag classes that are sometimes outdoors--forest and farming. I noticed that a high school north of us has a nature trail for their students, so some places do get the kids out.

[Gigi]

I can't imagine no recess "playtime" to learn skills that children won't find behind a desk--nature, communication, social skills-- oh my goodness it's endless...:):o

[annielinz]

OM gosh. I work at a school and we still have recess. The teachers need the break as much as the kids-LOL

For the upper grades we have release time for the teachers and have contracted with an outside fitness agency and they really work the kids.

We also have an outside garden/lifelab that is just great for the kids. Unfortunetly with the cutbacks and budget cuts in California we aren't sure it'll be funded for next year. We are working on getting grants to keep the teachers salary/supplies etc.for it to continue.

[chyna]

Pretty sure she is aware of the interaction thing at recess but she is trying to help Lizzie get her projects done. Catch 22 I suppose, it just flabbergasts me that she choses the recess' for her to make up her work.

I think the whole madness started with kindergarten when it was decided to have the kids come to school for full days all week. No half-days like we had as kids but 8:30-3 days. Nothing like making a 5yr old sit in class all day.:(

I'm just glad this school has decent playground equipment, the kindergarten school had equipment from my decade. They were removing stuff last year because they were so unsafe. This wasn't a school they brought out of mothballs either so I have no idea why it slipped anyone's mind it was in sore shape.:rolleyes: You have recess but can't use the playground equipment because it will maim you, but you can look at it! ;) I've said it before and will just say it again but that No Child Left Behind thing has really messed up some important things. The schools should be held accountable for teaching the kids but not at the expense of good teachers and the kids childhood.

[Lisa S]

Our school didn't have an unstructured recess to begin with, but the parents and teachers threw such a fit, that they changed their policy. Not only do kids need a break, but they need a break from structured activities. Playing. It's a good thing.

As an adult, I often put my head down and work, work, work until it's done. Near the end of a project, I notice my work getting sloppy. It's taken years to figure out that I need a 'recess'. When I get back to work, I'm clear headed and happy. If an adult needs that, kids need it 200% more!

[chyna]

amen to that!!!!:)