Unstructured Recess

1104 Words3 Pages

Technology - an incredible, constantly advancing achievement- has greatly impacted our world by creating an efficient and easier way to do work and, as a result, increased the lethargy of our people. However, recess is one aspect that hasn't altered and remains a major source of fitness that monitors obesity rates through exercise. Additionally, it increases a child’s cognitive development. Unstructured recess bestows upon children the ability to learn important life skills such as collaboration, negotiation, and resolution of conflicts, which will be advantageous in the future. However, the design of the unstructured play is being threatened with a new proposal due to the increasing number of worried parents. This new proposal is known as …show more content…

We all want to be safe, it is human nature. Structured recess assures parents that safety while be exercised through every part of the day. Furthermore, structured recess instills conflict resolution skills in students, as “coaches teach simple ways to settle disputes…” (Text 3, line 43). Conflicts are a part of life, and learning how to settle them is vital. Being safe encompasses both mental and physical. Children are frequently excluded, leading to them to develop deep feelings of resentment. Structured recess prevents children from harboring these feelings through by preventing the isolation of students. When playing games without supervision, students choose people who they want to play with, and many times someone is left alone. Structured recess aids by “circumvent[ing] emotionally scarring episodes of being chosen based on skill or popularity.” Unlike unstructured recess, structured recess utilize teachers as a mechanism for preventing people from being disbarred. This is beneficial in more ways than one. If all students are engaging in physical activity, their fitness level increases and obesity rates will lower. In addition to being an effective method of providing safety and promoting inclusiveness, structured recess proves to be advantageous in the classroom. These positive conditions are depicted since “teachers have reported improved behavior and attention in …show more content…

In 2005, scientists Burdette and Whitaker wrote an article emphasizing the importance of unstructured play. According to them, “free play promotes intellectual and cognitive growth; emotional intelligence.” Furthermore, unstructured recess provides valuable lessons that structured recess fails in doing. Children “build...empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, and flexibility” (Text 2, lines 32-35). These are valuable assets that are expedient in the future. Collaboration skills will a necessity in the workforce. These skills also develop your character. Unstructured recess enables children to make their own life choices. Teachers and adults will not always be there to solve problems. Exposing the children to the real-world at a young age helps to prepare them for the

More about Unstructured Recess

Open Document