In some parts of the country, including Texas, they've eliminated playground and recess funding altogether. Most Baby Boomer parents enjoyed a similar schedule as kids, but many don't realize that free-play periods are not prevalent today. Ten to 15 minutes is about right. If they're out there much longer, problems start, and kids get unruly. Classrooms are a lot less rigid than back when I was in school.
Kids can interact more in class now.
But they still need that opportunity to do what they want to do and say what they want to say without a direct adult influence. Kids should just be kids sometimes. Child development experts such as Anthony D. Pellegrini of the University of Georgia, Athens contend that recess allows children to grow creatively and communicatively with other children. Without recess, the children lose an important educational experience. His and other research has also shown that free play augments social and cognitive development that ultimately translates to classroom performance.