Children need play to boost academic achievement. Schools that insist children sit still for most of the day deny the connections between movement and learning, notes Jean Houston, a pioneer in human development theory. In a good physical education class, constant learning occurs. The playing floor and field are perfect places for kids to observe, interpret, summarize, classify, hypothesize, and evaluate. Children need play to maintain mental health and grow socially.
Recess can help students relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve self-esteem.
On the social side, recess provides a chance for children to get to know one another and make and keep friends. It also allows them to work in groups, disagree without fighting, and make decisions for themselves. Children need play to become good citizens. To participate in a democracy, children need to learn how to get along with others in an unstructured area. Recess provides the arena.