How Might An Additional Recess Enhance Social Skills?

Recess is a crucial part of a child’s school day, providing unstructured play and an opportunity to develop social skills. It allows children to experience social interaction and learn to handle situations that come their way. High-quality recess not only provides educational outcomes but also fosters a culture of community and belonging, promoting valuable skills related to communication and socialization.

A clinical review by the American Academy of Pediatrics found a correlation between playing and building better social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills needed for mental stability. Recess reduces stress, improves executive function and social skills, and enhances learning in the classroom. Researchers are now examining the quality of recess, which depends on factors such as safety and play.

Recess can provide vital developmental growth, including social and emotional learning, for students. It encourages a culture of community and belonging, fostering leadership, cooperation, compromise, sharing, conflict resolution, problem-solving, coping skills, negotiation, and perseverance. Recess offers several benefits to students, including increased physical activity, cognitive and social growth, and improved focus in the classroom.

Recess also promotes social awareness, cooperation, and teamwork. The more adults engage with and play with students at recess, the more physical activity there is and the less conflict there is. It helps manage stress, promotes social skills, and allows for physical exercise.

Recess plays a crucial role in a child’s school day by giving time for unstructured play and an opportunity to develop social skills. It helps children build trust and help each other, reducing anxiety and fostering social skills through make-believe games and role play.