In recent years, a number of schools in Texas have significantly increased recess time, yielding impressive results in student engagement and performance. While many states restrict recess to a mere 20 minutes a day—if they provide it at all—parents and educators alike have recognized the need for more outdoor playtime. Despite this consensus, current educational policies often prioritize classroom instruction and standardized testing over children’s physical and mental well-being.
At Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas, a shift occurred last year when kindergarten and first-grade students began enjoying two 15-minute breaks in the morning and two in the afternoon. Additionally, all other grades received an extra 15-minute recess, effectively doubling their outdoor time. Initially, there were concerns among teachers regarding the potential loss of instructional time; however, after five months, they found that the children were more focused and engaged in class, attributing this improvement to the additional time spent outside.
Three other schools within the district soon adopted this revised schedule after hearing about the positive effects it had on student learning. Interestingly, the structure of this schedule is rooted in a curriculum introduced in the 1960s and 1970s known as Positive Action, which focuses on using recess and character development to bolster academic success. The modern adaptation, called LiiNK (Let’s inspire innovation ’n kids), was developed by Dr. Sarah Thompson, a professor at a local university.
Dr. Thompson initiated this program out of concern for the increasing burnout rates among students and teachers alike, particularly in an education system heavily focused on testing. After researching Finland’s innovative educational strategies, she implemented similar principles in her program. “The two key components—recess and character development—are what I identified as crucial elements from Finland’s approach,” she explained. Ironically, while Finland has maintained these practices, the U.S. educational system has shifted away from them.
At Saginaw Elementary, a first-grade teacher, Emily Green, expressed initial anxiety about managing four outdoor breaks daily while ensuring her students grasped the curriculum. However, she soon noticed that students were paying better attention, following directions more effectively, and exhibiting increased independence in problem-solving—all while experiencing fewer disciplinary challenges.
In stark contrast, a study indicates that the average student in America’s urban public schools endures approximately 112 standardized tests from pre-K through 12th grade, consuming around 20 to 25 hours a year just for testing. Eagle Mountain Elementary Principal Mark Benson passionately supports the extended recess initiative, stating, “We believe we are essentially restoring childhood to our students.”
In conclusion, the successful implementation of increased recess time in Texas schools illustrates the importance of balancing academic rigor with essential playtime for children’s growth and development. For additional insights into family planning and home insemination, consider exploring resources such as Resolve’s Family Building Options, and for those interested in home insemination kits, check out Cryobaby’s Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit as well as At-Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit.
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