Children love to move. They run more than walk, they skip, jump, and even roll and crawl all over the floor and ground. Instead of recess, educators could create centers in classrooms, where students could go for constructive, properly supervised physical activities and games. And they could do it all in the classroom, with a teacher and teaching partner providing instruction and direction and ensuring safety. As we round the corner toward the 21st century, it's time to admit that recess has outlived its usefulness and should be left behind.
Children have the right to play, but educators have a job to do.
It's our responsibility to make sure that our students are playing and learning in safe, orderly environments. Forum Lynn Breckenfelder teaches health and physical education and coaches track and volleyball at Hubble Middle School in Wheaton, Illinois. Breckenfelder has a master's degree in public health and is working on her Ed. D, with a focus on gender issues in education. W e're in the business of doing what's best for children.