Sadly to say, in some classrooms across America teachers use recess as a time for students to catch up on incomplete daily work or missed homework. Keeping kids in the "study hall" to punish them for interrupting the class also runs rampant at school. 5 minutes or 25 minutes....of lost recess..... why?

Follow up:

Have we forgotten that recess in the elementary environment has a purpose? The positive down time allows kids to relax and refresh their brains so that when instruction time returns the child is equipped to take in new material to learn. The recess time has been included in the established curriculum for a purposeful break to impact the learning schedule. Don’t we all need a “brain break” so that we can refocus our efforts upon returning to the work at hand or learning at hand?

Each student has a right to a peaceful productive learning environment and I argue that when a child is prevented their recess time that it disrupts the entire class more frequently and with more purposeful action throughout the entire day….week… possibly school year. Also, it disrupts the learning environment of the child who is creating the issue as well.

If a child is a disruption in the classroom environment, regularly…. might it be best to do a little research and offer parents and educators solutions to help the child become successful and reach their potential? What is causing this child to act out in such a way that disruption is a part of their daily experience in school? If you find a need to ask yourself these questions don't hesitate to call me and I would be happy to help you find a solution to your issue.
Jan Van Blarcum
Founder
Creative Tutors
214-282-6268