TOTALLY GEEKED!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Recess Four Times a Day!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

I heard about this on our local news this morning.

It makes sense, to me.

I'm glad they are trying it out. smile

TrudyML · Guru

At recess I spit an M&M at a boy I liked. Actually it was a tooth!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

TrudyML wrote:
At recess I spit an M&M at a boy I liked. Actually it was a tooth!

LOL! Trudy, you are too funny! biggrin

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I bet that it helps the obesity problem, too.

And studies have shown that you remember more with more breaks. The Memory Institute says -

Most people find success with 30 - 50 minutes of concentrated study followed by 10 - 15 minute breaks of physical or creative activity. Difficult and complex material seems to have a limit of about 4 hours per day after which fatigue, boredom, and the inability to comprehend new information may occur. Your personal limit for consecutive study is marked by the point at which things no longer make sense.

Why would we think the same study habits that best work on adults wouldn't work on kids?

TrudyML · Guru

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
TrudyML wrote:
At recess I spit an M&M at a boy I liked. Actually it was a tooth!
LOL! Trudy, you are too funny!

We are still friends!

Tinydancer · Guru

Physical activity is just as important as learning at that age. Growing minds and bodies need both to thrive.

FNW · Guru

We used to get two recesses, plus lunch break. As soon as we finished eating, we were permitted to go out and play. Today, kids get one recess, lasting usually 20 minutes, following lunch. Throughout classroom time, they do little physical exercises...stretching, jumping, etc., to get the wiggles out. It helps.

Riding · Guru

this sounds like a great idea

chef · Guru

I'm glad to see schools are starting to follow what has been learned in the field of neuroscience as to how people learn.

DemoniaD · Senior Member

Typically, my kids (6 and 8) get 2 recesses and gym class every day. This seems to be the norm for the rural districts here, while the bigger ones have one recess, often at the end of the day, and either no gym class or gym class once per week.

Another difference I've noted is that for a lot of schools, a popular punishment for younger kids is having to miss recess. At our school, rather than take away the time allowed for being up and moving, they have to walk for it, anywhere from 5 minutes to the whole recess depending on the reasons(s). I like that because they are still losing a privileged that is important to them, but they also get to be up and active to break up their day. I don't understand how removing the part of the day that being active is acceptable from an active kid is supposed to help them be less active for the rest of the day.

My boys are both smart, and enjoy school, but they are also both active. I cringe to think how much their learning would have been hindered had we sent them to the bigger district.

chef · Guru

DemoniaD wrote:
Typically, my kids (6 and 8) get 2 recesses and gym class every day. This seems to be the norm for the rural districts here, while the bigger ones have one recess, often at the end of the day, and either no gym class or gym class once per week.

Another difference I've noted is that for a lot of schools, a popular punishment for younger kids is having to miss recess. At our school, rather than take away the time allowed for being up and moving, they have to walk for it, anywhere from 5 minutes to the whole recess depending on the reasons(s). I like that because they are still losing a privileged that is important to them, but they also get to be up and active to break up their day. I don't understand how removing the part of the day that being active is acceptable from an active kid is supposed to help them be less active for the rest of the day.

My boys are both smart, and enjoy school, but they are also both active. I cringe to think how much their learning would have been hindered had we sent them to the bigger district.

I hope DS' school will be like you describe.

He is a very active boy and having to sit for long periods is going to be an adjustment for him.

DemoniaD · Senior Member

chef wrote:
DemoniaD wrote:
Typically, my kids (6 and 8) get 2 recesses and gym class every day. This seems to be the norm for the rural districts here, while the bigger ones have one recess, often at the end of the day, and either no gym class or gym class once per week.

Another difference I've noted is that for a lot of schools, a popular punishment for younger kids is having to miss recess. At our school, rather than take away the time allowed for being up and moving, they have to walk for it, anywhere from 5 minutes to the whole recess depending on the reasons(s). I like that because they are still losing a privileged that is important to them, but they also get to be up and active to break up their day. I don't understand how removing the part of the day that being active is acceptable from an active kid is supposed to help them be less active for the rest of the day.

My boys are both smart, and enjoy school, but they are also both active. I cringe to think how much their learning would have been hindered had we sent them to the bigger district.
I hope DS' school will be like you describe.
He is a very active boy and having to sit for long periods is going to be an adjustment for him.

I hope so too! It is definitely worth doing some checking and weighing your options on before picking one. A lot of kids are naturally active, IME boys in particular are, and it breaks my heart that some schools out there make them feel like bad kids, and label them as trouble makers, just for being active.

NAOW · Vette's SS

I hope this spreads to more schools.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

NAOW wrote:
I hope this spreads to more schools.

And they need to start teaching cursive again!!!

flan

NAOW · Vette's SS

flan327 wrote:
NAOW wrote:
I hope this spreads to more schools.
And they need to start teaching cursive again!!!
flan

Our school still teaches cursive.. but we only have two recesses a day.

weltschmerz · Guru

They get a lunch break and an hour of play time?
I'm surprised they can squeeze in any learnin'.

chef · Guru

DemoniaD wrote:
chef wrote:
DemoniaD wrote:
Typically, my kids (6 and 8) get 2 recesses and gym class every day. This seems to be the norm for the rural districts here, while the bigger ones have one recess, often at the end of the day, and either no gym class or gym class once per week.

Another difference I've noted is that for a lot of schools, a popular punishment for younger kids is having to miss recess. At our school, rather than take away the time allowed for being up and moving, they have to walk for it, anywhere from 5 minutes to the whole recess depending on the reasons(s). I like that because they are still losing a privileged that is important to them, but they also get to be up and active to break up their day. I don't understand how removing the part of the day that being active is acceptable from an active kid is supposed to help them be less active for the rest of the day.

My boys are both smart, and enjoy school, but they are also both active. I cringe to think how much their learning would have been hindered had we sent them to the bigger district.
I hope DS' school will be like you describe.
He is a very active boy and having to sit for long periods is going to be an adjustment for him.
I hope so too! It is definitely worth doing some checking and weighing your options on before picking one. A lot of kids are naturally active, IME boys in particular are, and it breaks my heart that some schools out there make them feel like bad kids, and label them as trouble makers, just for being active.

I hear ya. The school won't like me very much if they label him as a 'bad kid' when he just needs to move around. He would thrive in an active learning environment. He's the opposite of me in that regard. I can sit and do a quiet activity for hours. He rarely stays still. Like right now. He's playing with his cash register but he's still moving side to side.

chef · Guru

weltschmerz wrote:
They get a lunch break and an hour of play time?
I'm surprised they can squeeze in any learnin'.

Seems counterintuitive but it's brain-based learning. We can only pay attention for a limited time. The more beginnings and ends to a lesson there are, the better the lesson will be remembered. Typically, it's the middle part of the lesson that gets forgotten so it's wise to break up the lesson. Nutrition and exercise are huge parts of being able to sit and learn. The school in the OP is definitely headed in the right direction.

Tangerine · Guru

Bunny's school has two recesses and they also have "brain breaks" throughout the day where they get up and dance or do something physical for 5-10 minutes. It seems to work out pretty well.

weltschmerz · Guru

chef wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
They get a lunch break and an hour of play time?
I'm surprised they can squeeze in any learnin'.
Seems counterintuitive but it's brain-based learning. We can only pay attention for a limited time. The more beginnings and ends to a lesson there are, the better the lesson will be remembered. Typically, it's the middle part of the lesson that gets forgotten so it's wise to break up the lesson. Nutrition and exercise are huge parts of being able to sit and learn. The school in the OP is definitely headed in the right direction.

Well, I'm just curious if the countries where the kids are kicking ass scholastically also have lunch PLUS a whole hour of play, in what is essentially a pretty short day.

Maybe it's a different breed of humans who don't need to move around as much.

Lindley · Guru

weltschmerz wrote:
chef wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
They get a lunch break and an hour of play time?
I'm surprised they can squeeze in any learnin'.
Seems counterintuitive but it's brain-based learning. We can only pay attention for a limited time. The more beginnings and ends to a lesson there are, the better the lesson will be remembered. Typically, it's the middle part of the lesson that gets forgotten so it's wise to break up the lesson. Nutrition and exercise are huge parts of being able to sit and learn. The school in the OP is definitely headed in the right direction.
Well, I'm just curious if the countries where the kids are kicking ass scholastically also have lunch PLUS a whole hour of play, in what is essentially a pretty short day.
Maybe it's a different breed of humans who don't need to move around as much.

Where my dd lives in Asia they have recess. My school had 3 recesses and p.e.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Recess, physical activity, is essential to learning.

For one, it wakes up the brain.

A sleepy brain doesn't function as well.

Too much energy can be counter productive, so recess helps with that.

And fresh air is always good for you.

weltschmerz · Guru

Lindley wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
chef wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
They get a lunch break and an hour of play time?
I'm surprised they can squeeze in any learnin'.
Seems counterintuitive but it's brain-based learning. We can only pay attention for a limited time. The more beginnings and ends to a lesson there are, the better the lesson will be remembered. Typically, it's the middle part of the lesson that gets forgotten so it's wise to break up the lesson. Nutrition and exercise are huge parts of being able to sit and learn. The school in the OP is definitely headed in the right direction.
Well, I'm just curious if the countries where the kids are kicking ass scholastically also have lunch PLUS a whole hour of play, in what is essentially a pretty short day.
Maybe it's a different breed of humans who don't need to move around as much.
Where my dd lives in Asia they have recess. My school had 3 recesses and p.e.

Four of them?

Lindley · Guru

That I don't know. If the teachers notices a difference in their attitudes and school work then more power to them.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I don't know what the big deal is.

4 - 15 breaks is just an hour.

Only 4.5 hours of learning is required during a day.

If the schools replaced one of the "social" classes, this is totally within reason.

weltschmerz · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
I don't know what the big deal is.

4 - 15 breaks is just an hour.

Only 4.5 hours of learning is required during a day.

If the schools replaced one of the "social" classes, this is totally within reason.

Do you mean social studies?

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

i love this idea! And it really is telling that the teachers are on board with this.

Cheerios4606 · Guru

I take recess at work too! Although I call it Facebook.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I don't know what the big deal is.

4 - 15 breaks is just an hour.

Only 4.5 hours of learning is required during a day.

If the schools replaced one of the "social" classes, this is totally within reason.
Do you mean social studies?

No.

I mean the classes that are more for "character building".

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Wednesday 13th of January 2016 08:29:45 PM

ed11563 · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I don't know what the big deal is.

4 - 15 breaks is just an hour.

Only 4.5 hours of learning is required during a day.

If the schools replaced one of the "social" classes, this is totally within reason.
Do you mean social studies?
No.
I mean the classes that are more for "character building".

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Wednesday 13th of January 2016 08:29:45 PM

Boxing? Wrestling? Battle Ball?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.

weltschmerz · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.

Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.

Why do you call these things a waste of time?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Because they are.

Character is built by actually dealing with life.

Playing builds social skills.

Music is great but they can listen to music while playing.

Let'em have sidewalk chalk and finger paints outside.

Recess is important.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

The Japanese typically START the day with exercise.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

My friend's children go to school in Switzerland. The elementary kids get sent home for a couple of HOURS for lunch and a break and then they go back to school.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I would be happy with once a day. I think they should all go outside either before or after lunch for a good half hour to 45 min. We used to have lunch in grade school and they would literally toss us all out onto the playground and lock the door behind us! You weren't allowed back in. And, the only time you didn't go outside was if was pouring down sheets of rain. Otherwise, snow, cold, light rain, drizzle you were tossed out side and spent 45 min trying not to get hit in the face with a red rubber dodge ball!
Now, Little Johnny can't handle going outside unless it's sunny and 70. And, even then, God forbid he break a sweat!

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.
Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.
Why do you call these things a waste of time?

Who said those things were a waste of time? What is it with you? Just proves my point that someone can say they "like a blue sky" and then the "offended" ones will somehow take that as a personal affront to a red sky. What' s wrong with the color red, you are dissing red, blah, blah.

My kids are involved in music and I also think art is very important well. But, kids need to MOVE their bodies. And, especially now when so many kids are sitting at home parked in front of computers.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
The Japanese typically START the day with exercise.

I think i read somewhere that they are responsible to sweep and clean the floors and wipe down the classroom and their desks at the end of the day. I think that is a great idea. It teaches kids to take pride and responsibility in their own surroundings.

weltschmerz · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.
Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.
Why do you call these things a waste of time?
Who said those things were a waste of time? What is it with you? Just proves my point that someone can say they "like a blue sky" and then the "offended" ones will somehow take that as a personal affront to a red sky. What' s wrong with the color red, you are dissing red, blah, blah.
My kids are involved in music and I also think art is very important well. But, kids need to MOVE their bodies. And, especially now when so many kids are sitting at home parked in front of computers.

Lily did.

Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.

"Why do you call these things a waste of time?"

"Because they are."

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

weltschmerz wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.
Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.
Why do you call these things a waste of time?
Who said those things were a waste of time? What is it with you? Just proves my point that someone can say they "like a blue sky" and then the "offended" ones will somehow take that as a personal affront to a red sky. What' s wrong with the color red, you are dissing red, blah, blah.
My kids are involved in music and I also think art is very important well. But, kids need to MOVE their bodies. And, especially now when so many kids are sitting at home parked in front of computers.
Lily did.
Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.
"Why do you call these things a waste of time?"
"Because they are."

Schools are "indoctrinating" the kids by building character...Who knew?

flan

weltschmerz · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There is time taken in classes to teach Spanish speaking students english.

There are classes that are designed to build character, what would do if situations. Indoctrination actually.

And other wastes of time.

They don't need art every day.

Music? They all learn Mary had a Little Lamb on a recorder and have "appreciation" time.

They have social time.

Recess is a better use of time.
Got it. Music, art and building character take a back seat to running around.
Why do you call these things a waste of time?
Who said those things were a waste of time? What is it with you? Just proves my point that someone can say they "like a blue sky" and then the "offended" ones will somehow take that as a personal affront to a red sky. What' s wrong with the color red, you are dissing red, blah, blah.
My kids are involved in music and I also think art is very important well. But, kids need to MOVE their bodies. And, especially now when so many kids are sitting at home parked in front of computers.

Well, whose fault is that? The parents.

My kid was always busy with hockey or soccer.

TOTALLY GEEKED!

A Texas School Started Giving Kids 4 Recess Breaks A Day, And The Results Have Been Wonderful