A Favorite Time of Day That Cedarwood Takes SERIOUSLY–Seriously
When school began this year, as a teacher, I was very excited about recess because of how important it is to the overall health of our school. According to the CDC, “studies have found that recess benefits students by improving their memory and attention, helping them stay on topic in class, reducing their disruptive behavior, and improving their social development.”
However, what really excites me is the numerous ways children play, interact, and enjoy recess. These social interactions bring about the above benefits and many more. But, don’t just take my word for it, here is a bit of what the play looks and feels like from the students themselves:
What makes recess great?
2nd graders: “Playing what you want”-“running around”-“I can talk at recess as much as I want”- “Playing outside”-“Playing with friends”
3rd graders: “Make fake food” - “Make mud cookies”-“Climbing on the metal structure”
4th graders: “Swinging, grounders, running” “Hanging out with other grades”
5th graders: “Playing games or relaxing”
5th and 7th graders: “Tennis” “Taking a break from learning”
6th and 8th graders: “4 square!” - “Pig and Horse basketball” “frisbee”
How do you feel at recess?
“I feel free” - “I feel happy”
Recess is not just for kids, teachers love recess too!
Grace Rahn, educational support, shared, “I like when the students come talk with me, and I get to know them better in a relaxed way.”
Nancy Thompson, 4th grade teacher, noted, “I love that we snack and lunch outside, the slower eaters can take more time and enjoy their food. And the transition to recess is smoother.”
As the Movement teacher, I am always watching to see what play is thriving, and what play might need some support. During teacher meetings we check in about what is working and what might need more care at recess. While there are safety and boundary rules for recess, we try to leave as much room as possible for student exploration in their play.
Recess is also the time for children to have more space to problem solve together. The teachers are there when needed, but there is much more room for children to learn communication and negotiating tools without any (or as much) adult direction. This is vital for building self-confidence, genuine connections, and problem solving skills.
The recess wagon, full of tennis racquets, frisbees, jump ropes, balls, and equipment comes up to the park every recess. The recess bin lives in the courtyard for basketballs and 4 square balls. Children don’t have to plan ahead to figure out what they want to do at recess or what they need to bring out. The equipment is always available, so play can unfold and surprises can happen. Some children love to do the same games every recess, while others are often excited to explore and try something new.
One of the other benefits of Cedarwood’s location is that we are part of Lair Hill Park. This allows children of all ages to spend time playing or walking in the trees. In the park during recess, you can find teens walking and talking, classes having picnics, and even kids playing weeks long imaginary games together in enchanted lands. Being in the park has a different feel than on a sidewalk or black top, and we are deeply grateful for the park and all the nature it offers students and teachers alike.
While other schools battle to bring back or save recess, it has never been in danger at Cedarwood. I understand why some schools struggle to have a healthy recess. If the attention isn’t given to how to coach, monitor, and care for that time–and it isn’t valued by all as integral to the whole day–then there will be conflicts at recess that take away from the play. For us, serious conflicts are rare and are used as learning opportunities. The small struggles give all of us a chance to see each other and grow.
If your child says recess is their favorite time of day–that’s not a bad reflection on the rest of the day. It’s just saying they love to play! And at Cedarwood we take recess SERIOUSLY - seriously.
Written by Heather Pearl, Movement Education Teacher 2nd-8th grade
For more information about the benefits of recess on focus, learning, and social skills please visit: https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/benefits-of-recess or https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/131/1/183/30893/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
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