Give ‘em a Break! Why Recess is So Important

It seems to be a common opinion that recess during school hours is a privilege. Experts in the field of child mental health would disagree! Recess provides many things that support a child’s development. Free play, sunlight, fresh air, socialization, and physical activity are critical for children to develop socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Recess provides an opportunity to be creative, solve problems, resolve conflict, and manage emotions. 

Children express themselves through play. This is their primary means of communication, especially when cognitive and verbal skills have not yet been fully developed. Play provides opportunities for children to explore and learn about the world around them. It can bring a sense of control and sensory regulation. Research shows that play produces more positive affective states, which results in an increased capacity to attend and learn. 

When considering taking away a child’s recess as a punishment for poor behavior, it would be helpful to keep this information in mind and recognize that recess will likely be more effective in correcting the behavior than sitting inside!

 Written by: Erin Aude, LMHC

Licensed Therapist, School Counselor, and Play Therapist

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services,  Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673