The movement to eliminate recess during the school day is growing. Nobody is happy about this decision, including students, administrators and teachers. Why is this initiative continuing to gain steam?
Apparently someone has decided we need to work our students more to make them smarter, do more, get into college, land good jobs and strive for world domination. If I’m not mistaken, past history has produced at least a few incredibly smart and industrious people, and more than one invention has changed our lives. Hello? Electricity? Antibiotics? And these were all introduced in a time when people had much more free time, including a substantial recess during the school day AND many free hours after the afternoon bell. It’s not like we weren’t measuring up in the past and now have to play catch-up, right?
Which leads me to the importance of recess for grown-ups. We know the benefits of taking a break during our busy days, but I don’t think Facebook counts. What about a real recess . . . one where we’re doing something solely for fun that is a real departure from our normal daily activities?
I played the piano for many years growing up, revisited the instrument as an adult (complete with lessons and recitals), got away from it again, and have recently started tinkling the ivories again. The piano gives me something I’ve never found anywhere else . . . .a clear mind. When I’m playing, I am NOT thinking about the 9 things still on my to-do list. It’s as close as I’ve come to recess from the whirling dervishes in my head. Which then leaves me more creative, productive and calm.
I encourage you to find your own recess, whatever that may look like. Our children need it and so do we. Taking a break and having fun is more important than piling on more tasks and lessons. And hopefully this is the first step in re-instating summer vacation for adults, as well.
What does your recess look like? Share your stories with me on my Facebook page and we can all learn from each other. Now get out there and have some fun.