Recess

For my last three weeks in school I have noticed how much play at recess affects the children and their attitude as well as their further learning. My cooperating teacher has the children that do not finish homework or assignments stay in during recess. Most of the time it is the same kids who do not get assignments done, which means the same kids staying in for recess. I notice that not having that break for free play truly affects them. Many of them are so sick of sitting in their chair learning, that they are to frustrated or unfocused to learn anymore. This makes the recess time to get the assignment done unproductive. After recess is math, and many of the kids that don't finish their assignments and stay in for recess, are the ones that have trouble with their subjects (especially math). I have been working with these kids during math and they are so overwhelmed without the break that they get too frustrated to work or too unfocused to get anything done. There are many times where the students have actually said that they need recess to "get awake again." This small break allows them the opportunity to get away from academics and have free play.

Posted by annmazz at 2:37 PM