David Bornstein's opinion piece in the New York Times highlights the time children spend time playing each day has decreased rapidly over the past decades. He cites a publication from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that demonstrates "strong evidence" that physical education has a positive impact on academic achievement for young children. The CDC document presents evidence that disproves the idea that physical activity during the school day contributes to problems in the classroom, a lack of concentration, etc. The CDC uses 50 different studies to reach these conclusions. Bornstein continues his analysis of these alarming trends in our school systems by discussing the effectiveness of punishing children by taking away the "privilege of recess." He talks about how children who engage in negative behavior such as fighting at recess lose the opportunity participate in this time for physical activity.
The author questions whether or not it is fair to punish children for not knowing how to play. He states that this concept is something that parents, teachers, and society are responsible for passing on to the youngest children. I agree with his criticism of this trend. We all know how great the impact of violent video games and television shows have on children. Aren't they simply engaging in the games that they are being taught? Bornstein highlights the gains made in the area of teaching children how to play by a group called Playworks. They bring in coaches and staff to moderate disputes at recess, help the children learn games, etc. with the goal of having children teach each other these lessons to each other. I find his article very accurate in its criticisms.
This alarming trend of decreasing recess tim corresponds to the obesity epidemic being experienced in this country. Clearly this relationship has huge connections for Public Health. However, there are several other ways that these two topics tie together that I feel that may be even more important. Foremost, why is a document very carefully put together by the CDC being completely ignored? If there is overwhelming evidence that our children would benefit from physical activity, why is there still a decreasing trend in the amount of recess? Why are schools choosing a schedule that has been proven to have a negative affect on the academic success of its students? Even more alarming for me, why is the CDC not worried about this blatant rejection of its research? How can this group accept the obvious failure that is occurring in this area. One idea I have is that the schools are being pressured to achieve the standards set by such goals as the No Child Left Behind Act. If they are already falling behind, how can they afford to increase recess time? Of course, this position is short sighted. Bu cutting recess time, the schools are actually making it much harder for their children to score high academically and meet these goals. Is there anything the CDC and the public health field can do to answer some of these questions?
Image from: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2007/01/fancy_new_seaport_playground_n_1.html
The idea that cutting recess might somehow enhance productivity is a product of the quantity-over-quality culture in the U.S. In France, students are in school from 9am to 5pm with a 2 hour lunch break as well as two twenty-minute breaks throughout the day. Even in China, where the school system often faces criticism for producing overworked, exhausted students, students have 45 minutes for lunch followed by 30 minutes for sports and 30 minutes of free time every day. (See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6150436.stm)
ReplyDeleteWhile many "no recess" policies were adopted under the assumption that recess wastes time that could be better spent in the classroom, there is another concern that has pushed some school administrators to reduce or abolish recess for their students. Schools located in regions of high crime density must also consider student safety. In some districts, students risk becoming victims of shootings or other crimes when they roam and play on school grounds. This is one instance in which environment can inform policy which will, in turn shape behaviors. Sadly, but not surprisingly, school recess policy is another area where environment can introduce a disparity.
In terms of the question that Pietro raised about how schools that are already falling behind by nationally regulated standards can afford to spend time and resources on recess, I think it's vital to examine the benefits that recess can have not only physically, but mentally as well. Children who have an outlet probably are able to concentrate better in the classroom, and if you're teaching them to get along and play well (as encouraged by the program Playworks), then couldn't they apply these skills to group projects and learning together in the classroom as well?
ReplyDeleteI hadn't even considered the issue that Sara raised, which is just another example of the safe life I've been able to lead creating a cultural barrier between less fortunate populations. Despite the challenges that a dangerous environment might present, I still think that recess or playtime can be incorporated into the average schoolday, and should be. This would require more creative solutions, such as an effective use of gym, or even classroom space. It's so important to get children to exercise, and if they aren't getting this at home, it is especially critical for schools to facilitate introducing kids to activity.
I think this topic raises the issue of HOW kids spend their recess and free time. In my home state, PE was a mandatory requirement in all schools with children expected to pass minimum fitness tests as mandated by the state government. I feel recess is just another method for institutions to get kids to be active, we shouldn't punish kid's health at the expense of proving a point. But perhaps more importantly, providing after school activities that promote healthy behavior, I feel, is much more important. In Europe, many schools also double as gymnasiums, or sports clubs, in which most students participate in after school sports. So while Europeans spend more time in school, they also spend more time on the practice fields exercising. Meanwhile in America, children will generally tend to go home and watch TV while consuming TV (I understand this is a fairly gross generalization). But my implementing healthy after school activities, we can promote healthy behavior and, in the case of more impoverished areas, keep kids off the streets.
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