The 4th R... RECESS!

One of my blogging friends commented on this article in the NY Times. I have to admit that I agree with the findings.

I think that many people view recess as an additional aspect of school, not an essential one. They view learning as what happens in a classroom, not on a playground. But the truth is, a lot of learning goes on when kids play 4-Square or climb on the monkey bars.

And, I think that many people think students in American Junior High Schools or High Schools should have outgrown recess. But anyone who has spent 10 minutes with 16 year old boys knows that isn't true. We have to let our kiddos be kiddos.

And, from a personal perspective... my oldest son would, I'm afraid, harm himself if he didn't have recess and PE every day. When I ask him what happened at school on a certain day, I'm likely to get a story about who won the kick-ball tournament or who is learning a new trick in 4-Square. Anyone who knows my son would be able to use those interests to help him reach his full potential. And, aren't we supposed to tap into our student's interests in Student Centered Learning?