I know in school recess was savior for me. Even though I was often
picked last (Played a lot of right field) my self esteem remained intact and my
determination to be a better athlete grew. More importantly as someone who could
not sit still in the classroom I know it calmed me down. I always did better in
the subject immediately after recess. It was heartening to watch the PBS News
Hour http://www.pbs.org/newshour/newshour_index.html Friday night July 24 feature on recess. It is amazing to me how narrow and backward in their thinking
the decision makers in education have become. On this piece they even figured
out that recess was a good place for conflict resolution – well da! Frankly what bothered me about this piece was that the play had to be initiated
and led by adults. At least it is a start. In another piece on News Hour, Arne
Duncan the Secretary of education actually mentioned art, theater and of all
things physical education, what a step forward. We need more recess; we need
mandatory physical education K through 12. Look around and you will see why.
Teachers know this but they are judged not on what the kids learn but on how
they perform on standardized tests. We are turning out a generation of dolts
who can’t think, are slothful and unhealthy. The solutions are simple, but
require administrators and teachers to get out of their comfort zone and push
for the change that is needed. Recess and physical education will go a long way
toward solving the health care crisis. Right now it is not health care it is disease
care, lets teach good health habits when they can be taught, that would be an
inexpensive positive start.
