“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
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Reddit by balmeras: Help reverse the alarming trend of taking away recess. …
I had no idea that schools were removing recess like this. Kids need time to move and play outdoors, preferably in a naturalistic environment.
I’m not sure what’s best for kids at middle school level who don’t play in quite the same way. Any thoughts?
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Rain Gardening in the South =-.
Luckily, we’ve still got recess at our little school. But would you believe the kids can’t engage in free play?!? Kids must stay in the classroom’s “assigned” area only. The only bright spot in all of this is watching parents come together to demand change for their kids.
.-= Debi´s last blog ..Fun Friday: Make a Pinecone Birdfeeder =-.
RT @MarjieKnudsen: Right 2 Recess, take a stand 4 kids http://ow.ly/1a8ma via @balmeras #education #parenting @balmeras
RT @WeightChica: RT @MarjieKnudsen: Right 2 Recess, take a stand 4 kids http://ow.ly/1a8ma via @balmeras #education #parenting @balmeras
The Right to Recess, take a stand for our Kids – http://ow.ly/1a8ma via @balmeras #education #parenting @balmeras (via @MarjieKnudsen)
RT @balmeras: The Right to Recess http://ow.ly/1a8ma #playoutdoors #edu #parent < Take a stand for kids in UR community!
RT @balmeras: The Right to Recess http://ow.ly/1a8ma #playoutdoors #edu #parent < Take a stand for kids in UR community!
@MarjieKnudsen @WeightChica @momnettv @healinggarden Thanks a bunch for the RTs on the recess piece! http://ow.ly/1a8ma Play on!
RT @WeightChica: RT @MarjieKnudsen: Right 2 Recess, take a stand 4 kids http://ow.ly/1a8ma via @balmeras #education #parenting @balmeras
RT @WeightChica: RT @MarjieKnudsen: Right 2 Recess, take a stand 4 kids http://ow.ly/1a8ma via @balmeras #education #parenting @balmeras
The Right to Recess | The Grass Stain Guru http://ow.ly/1atD9 #ece #play #prek #k12 #outdoors #parenting
RT @NNUS: RT @balmeras Join the fight to protect recess! http://ow.ly/19Oin #playoutdoors #edu #parent