George Lucas Educational Foundation
George Lucas Educational Foundation

Why Recess Should Never Be Withheld as Punishment

Experts argue that recess is necessary for a child’s social and academic development, and skipping it as punishment for misbehavior or to accommodate more seat time is a serious mistake.

October 18, 2019

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is “crucial and necessary” for a child’s development and should never be withheld to make room for more academics or as punishment. On top of the health benefits, recess also enhances creative thinking, focus, and social skills like cooperation and sharing.

Interested in reading the research? Here’s a list of the papers and studies we cited in the video: 

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Filed Under

  • Play & Recess
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Student Wellness

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