“Recess is the right of every child. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on Children’s Rights states that every child has the right to leisure time. Taking away recess, whether as a disciplinary measure or abolishing it in the name of work, infringes on that right.” [Skrupskelis, in Clements (2000), 126.]
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of recess. It’s something I strongly feel is worth fighting for.
According to the International Play Association (IPA), 40% of schools have already eliminated, or in the process of eliminating recess.
Make. It. Stop.
Take a stand for your children, and the children in your community. You do not have to be a parent to be a child advocate.
A few items to help you advocate for recess in your community:
- The Case for Elementary School Recess from IPA
- 7 Reasons Why Kids Need Recess (Even the Kids Who Misbehave) from @raepica
- New York Times article The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess
Now if you will excuse me, I am off to play Four Square.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
