Why recess is as valuable as any subject in school

Editor’s note: This article was updated on Sept. 12, 2023.

Often used by teachers as a bargaining chip for good behaviour, my third-grader dutifully and sadly reports every time recess has been withheld due to misbehaviour or unfinished schoolwork. On a school day with no scheduled physical education, children could spend their time entirely indoors with no physical activity or play. Add inclement weather to the equation and recess periods get slashed further.

The arguments against recess are easy to make. Teachers are overworked, underpaid, and pressured by time constraints and curriculum demands. They need more time to teach and recess is seen as an unnecessary impediment. It isn’t time well spent; it is a waste of time.

But a growing body of evidence is indicating that physical activity promotes brain health and leads to improved thinking, learning, attention, and focus (ParticipACTION report card, 2018).

In order to listen, learn and behave, kids need to be active.

If a child is disruptive or inattentive, instead of removing the opportunity to move and get outside, recess could remedy behavioural issues and improve the classroom dynamic.

A 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement declared that recess is so important, it should not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons.

As valuable as any other subject taught at school, schools should treat recess as a vital component of a student’s day. Recess is not a reward for good behaviour, nor is it a privilege. Recess is a right.

Coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle, the decline in recess time has many children struggling to meet the recommended 60 minutes a day of moderate activity.

Schools have access to an incredible number of young people in order to champion the value of healthy and active lifestyles, yet often fail to affect change. So why aren’t we using our resources adequately?

While the Finnish model has long been heralded as the gold standard for schooling, Canada has been slow to adopt many of their practices. In Finland, students and teachers take a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of instruction. The last I checked, my son gets two 15-minute recess periods per day, one in the morning and one immediately following lunch. In between those precious breaks, there is a lot of sitting while trying to pay attention. More frequent breaks would enhance physical and cognitive development while improving a child’s ability to focus and learn.

Katy Bowman, a noted biomechanist who studies the role movement plays in the body and in the world, writes about the benefit of “movement snacks” interspersed throughout the day. She suggests that instead of looking at the Canadian recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity for kids as one or two periods of scheduled “exercise,” schools and families should reorganize their days to fit in as much movement as possible.

Classrooms might include standing desks and provide cushions or mats to facilitate sitting on the floor, and outdoor play could be used as a teaching tool.

Families could integrate more active transportation, encourage free play outdoors, and reduce screen time. When movement is layered throughout your day, it all adds up. Recess does help, though. If every school gave kids four 15-minute recesses in a day, I believe many children could easily meet the Canadian physical activity recommendations.

While I’m uncertain if and when anything will change regarding recess in our schools, I do know that when that bell rings, it is a sight to behold as kids spill out into the schoolyard, equal parts chaos and excitement.

My hope is that our school boards and governments are just as excited about the link between increased physical activity and success in the classroom, and will encourage teachers to value recess as a crucial part of the curriculum.