Kids need recess. That is the message from Playworks Michigan, a coalition of a diverse group of state leaders, athletes, and educators, that advocates for statewide awareness and an increase in playtime and recess in schools.
Even though many students are learning remotely right now, the Playworks Michigan Coalition is working to make recess time happen for all students once school is back to being in-person.
Paul Liabenow, Executive Director of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal’s Association said, “Following the recent online and in-person learning changes throughout the pandemic, curriculum is being reshaped for the fall. As these conversations are happening, we want educators and parents to be aware of the benefits of recess especially after a year of online learning and limited interaction.”
According to Playworks Michigan, Michigan schools have no guidelines for providing recess time nor for removing recess.
Playworks reports that over the past ten years, nearly half of all school districts nationwide have either completely eliminated or reduced recess time and of the few schools that require recess, most kids only get 20 minutes or so per day, far below the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of activity. This is especially alarming as 30.6% of children in Michigan are considered either overweight or obese.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
