Texas School Triples Recess Time, Sees Remarkable Outcomes

A Texas school has taken a bold step by tripling the recess time for its students, and the positive outcomes have been remarkable. Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth has introduced four recess breaks each day, and both teachers and parents are thrilled with the results.

The Importance of Recess

Recess isn’t just a break for kids to unwind; it’s an essential part of their development. The school decided to experiment by allowing kindergarten and first-grade students two 15-minute recess periods in the morning and two in the afternoon. Initially, teachers were apprehensive about losing valuable classroom time, but after about five months, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Educators report that students are more focused, attentive, and better at following directions, leading to an overall improvement in learning.

“I was a bit anxious about letting the kids play outside four times a day,” said second-grade teacher Lisa Carter. “But now, the kids seem more engaged and curious about their lessons.” The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this approach, emphasizing that recess is crucial for children’s development. Adults struggle to concentrate when sitting all day, so it’s no surprise that children need opportunities to move and play.

Expert Opinions

Professor Tom Sanders, who collaborates with Eagle Mountain Elementary, advocates for adding regular breaks to help students recharge. His program suggests increasing physical activity for younger grades and expanding it to older grades over time. Parents have also noticed changes at home, with many saying their children have become more creative and socially adept, making it easier for them to form friendships.

The Benefits of Frequent Breaks

Trading some instructional time for short, frequent breaks appears to yield significant benefits, as students return from recess ready to learn with renewed energy. In a world where kids have so much to learn in a limited time, it turns out that giving them time to play is a key ingredient to effective learning.

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Conclusion

In summary, by increasing recess time, Eagle Mountain Elementary has seen students thrive academically and socially, proving that sometimes, a little playtime goes a long way in boosting learning and development.