In a groundbreaking move, several schools in Texas have tripled their recess duration, resulting in significant improvements for students. While most states limit recess to a mere 20 minutes daily—often even less—parents are advocating for more outdoor playtime for their children. Despite a widespread understanding that kids benefit from additional play, many educational systems continue to prioritize academic performance above all, pushing children back into classrooms to ensure they excel in standardized assessments.
Eagle Mountain Elementary’s Initiative
Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas, took the initiative last year to implement a new schedule for its kindergarten and first-grade students, incorporating two 15-minute breaks in the morning and two in the afternoon. All other grades received an additional 15-minute afternoon break, effectively providing them with two recess periods instead of just one. Initially, teachers expressed concern about potentially losing essential classroom time. However, after about five months, they observed that students were actually improving academically, as the extra outdoor time allowed them to release energy and regain focus during lessons.
Expanding the Initiative
The positive outcomes from this expanded recess initiative prompted three additional schools within the district to adopt the same schedule. Interestingly, the framework for this schedule draws from a curriculum developed in the 1960s and 1970s known as Positive Action, which integrates recess and character development to enhance student success. This program, now referred to as LiiNK—short for “Let’s inspire innovation ‘n kids”—was created by Dr. Sarah Thompson, an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development.
“I initiated this program because I was disheartened by the burnout rates among students by third grade and teachers within five years,” Dr. Thompson shared with a local publication. “In 2011, I noticed that Finland was approaching education differently, so I spent six weeks there to learn from their methods.” The two critical components of recess and character education were among the key elements she identified as beneficial, paralleling practices from decades past in the U.S.
The Contrast with American Education
While Finland is often praised for its holistic approach to elementary education, American students face a staggering average of 112 mandatory standardized tests from pre-K through 12th grade—equating to around 20 to 25 hours annually spent on assessments alone.
Principal’s Perspective
Bryan McLain, principal of Eagle Mountain Elementary, expressed enthusiasm for how students are responding to the new schedule, stating, “We believe we are truly giving children back their childhood.”
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the expanded recess initiative at Eagle Mountain Elementary and other schools has proven effective in enhancing student focus and learning outcomes by allowing children more time for play and energy release. This approach challenges the traditional emphasis on testing and classroom time, advocating for a more balanced educational experience.