Recess Every Day
by Lili Herbert - Head of School • December 14, 2011 • Environmental Education, Progressive Education • 3 Comments
Many schools feel pressure to use every minute of the school day to teach “academic” subjects, and so recess hits the chopping block, along with arts and other essentials. At FSM, we have recess for every student, every day. Why?
- Students need fresh air and activity, and we know recess helps the learning process.
Kindergartners running together at recess.
- Recess is the richest opportunity for social learning in a child’s day. Picking a game to play, negotiating rules and teams, and using creativity to enhance play are all important learning and development goals that are best met on the playground.
Middle school students at recess.
- Our environmental education program is based on the connection a student makes with a specific place. At FSM, students know the trees, plants, and animal life of the playground and nearby park well. Unstructured time to observe, play in, and appreciate the beauty of the environment is valuable.
1st & 2nd graders at recess under a favorite tree.
As Friends School of Minnesota’s admissions director, I get asked about recess all the time by prospective families. As Lili says, FSM students have recess every day. Lower school (K-4th grade) has one hour for lunch and recess and middle school (5th-8th grade) has forty minutes for lunch and recess.
Being active and getting outside (every day unless it is pouring rain or the windchill is below zero) is very important for students physically, socially and academically. Even indoor recess gives students a much-needed break and unstructured time to play and interact with their classmates or just relax.
We have a playground and also use the spacious city park just south of the school for recess and other outdoor activities.
Wonderful and so true. It’s hard to imagine anyone not understanding these benefits! Great to see a school community that values play, free time and outdoors. Happy recess!
Thanks, Beth! Playworks sounds like a great organization working with schools to make recess a positive part of the school day. Play is such an important part of school and life. – Lili