It is unknown exactly how much recess American children are getting on average: the amount is highly variable depending upon the school system, location and other environmental factors. Much research shows that recess is on the decline in the US, along with physical education programs in school. To demonstrate the importance of preserving physical activity and play time at school, a group of researchers conducted a study on classroom behavior.
This study, which was recently published in the journal Pediatrics, evaluated 10,301 children who were 8 to 9 years of age. Children were categorized into groups according to recess exposure. The first group received either no recess at all or less than 15 minutes per day, and the second received more than 15 minutes every single day. Characteristics of each child were measured and classroom behavior was assessed by using teachers rating of overall class behavior. Results indicated that at least 15 minutes of daily recess significantly improved teachers ratings of their classes behavior.
Barros RM, Silver EJ, and Stein RE. (2009). School recess and group classroom behavior. Pediatrics, 123(2), 431-436.
