Daily Free Time
Some call it recess, others call it daily free play. Whatever it's called, there is a growing debate about it. If you work with elementary school kids it's an issue that can change the structure of your school day. If you work with high school kids it's an issue you'll be dealing with down the road as both students with and without the "recess experience" enter your first period class.

Proponents point to the fattening of North American youth and fear even more obesity will result if we drop recess from our kids' daily routine. They add that "blowing off some steam" helps kids do better with their class-work and minimizes behavior problems. Recess "was a big part of my education," says one local principal. "I learned how to play games, make friends, and settle disputes without the supervision of adults. My body became stronger with each ball I kicked and every race I ran." She points out that "children are born to play and to socialize. Recess encourages that."

Opponents claim there are serious safety issues inherent in the structure of this daily free time. They add that recess becomes a breeding ground for anti-social behavior and a place where bullies can freely roam to do their stuff. Another group claims that time spent running around on the playground could be better spent doing math and reading exercises indoors.

According to a recent article in the New York Times, the proportion of schools that don't have recess ranges from 7% for the younger grades up to 13% for sixth graders. The "no recess" option appears to be gaining favor and the numbers of schools declining to offer it are on the rise. School administrators for the no recess schools point to the time constraints built into the school day. "We cannot possibly get the reading and math time required without doing away with something. The new laws require more tests and more progress. Recess had to go."

In addition, some schools are finding it necessary to curtail gym classes as well. Although 99% of elementary schools schedule time for physical education, more than half of them offer those PE classes only once or twice a week. A recent government study indicates that schools in poorer communities tend to offer less recess and fewer opportunities for exercise.

A recent survey by the National PTA indicates that more than half of the school administrators said daily recess is at risk in their schools.

Mark Schneider, commissioner of the National Center of Education Statistics, presented the government findings on recess and exercise. He declined to draw conclusions from them. But given the obesity rates among children, he said: "I think we should all be concerned about any schools that aren't providing sufficient physical activities."

The Cartoon Network has pledged more than $1.3 million to save recess. That includes more than $300,000 in grants to PTA chapters for participating in the ongoing letter campaign.

A few things to think about:

• American Association for the Child's Right to Play says 40 percent of schools have eliminated recess or are considering it.
  
• How safe our kids at recess?
  
• Are there alternatives to recess?