The Importance of Recess: Seminar Post

According to the Education Reporter, in 2001, schools across the country began eliminating recess in elementary schools in response to the pressure put on local boards by the state to increase achievement. However, without that period of exercise and relief for a kindergartener's already short attention span, the opposite may be occurring.

In a previous post, I cited a study suggesting that exercise helped improve neural performance and memory in senior citizens. Other studies done with younger participants point out that when recess is delayed, children become less attentive. So what, exactly, is the role of exercise when it comes to the brain?

Were I to carry out a research project on the topic, I'm sure I could get local elementary schools to support me. My hometown, Virginia Beach, was actually the proponent for a statewide mandate for "daily, unstructured recess" in all public elementary schools in 2000. However, with the recent onslaught of snow days in the city, recess time has been reduced to only 15 minutes. Investigating a link between exercise and academic performance would be very relevant, considering this.

Here's how the project would work: Elementary-age students would take a short memory test, such as the one currently used by the VHSL to test for concussions in athletes. The test would be administered before and after recess period, and test scores would be compared. Memory is very important in school, as students are expected to absorb the information they are taught in class. Students with poor memory often necessitate remedial work and extended-day programs, so improving this could actually save schools money.

That, along with the current rise in child ADHD diagnoses, may make recess something worth considering for the superintendent.

#seniorproject #exercisescience #neuroscience #education