What's so important about playtime?

Take a Break

Most people can concentrate for about 90 minutes at a time and then they need a break.

Work Hard, Play Hard

In some Asian countries, kids go to school for eight hours a day. During that time, they get two hours for play.

Hang Solo

You and your friends can cook up all sorts of fun at recess. And imagining, pretending, and socializing are all important skills to practice. Or you can spend some time alone, just thinking Everyone needs a little solitude now and then!

Pump It Up

A growing kid needs exercise to build a strong heart, bones, muscles, and lungs.

At Ease

Even adults need breaks. The U.S. Army gives trainees 10-minute rest periods every hour, and most workplaces schedule breaks so that employees stay alert. The U.S. Congress calls a recess when its members are tired.

Feed Your Brain

Physical activity pumps more blood to your brain to help it work better.

Time Out from TV

Kids spend about 20 hours watching TV every week. Yikes! For some children, recess is the only time of day they play outside.

Instant Recall

Researchers who study the importance of recess have found that students will remember things better if they have breaks to allow the mind to process information.

Ants in Your Pants

Studies show that children who do not get recess are more fidgety in the classroom and have a hard time paying attention.

What About Gym?

Recess and gym class are NOT the same thing. Although both offer physical exercise, gym class is structured and closely supervised. It's important to have free time, too, like recess, when you can play on your own and make up your own rules.

Copyright Carus Publishing Company Nov/Dec 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved