schools and school districts are reducing exercise time for children need exercise and pe in America’s schools

childhood obesity rates are rising

These guidelines are based on the concept that children have unique characteristics which differ from adults, including shorter attention spans and a need for a wide variety of experiences for learning (“NASPE releases,” 1998).

As a society who is concerned about the health risks of obesity, it is also important to note that children will likely learn to be inactive as adults if they are not provided with opportunities to be active when they are young. The “no recess” policies being implemented in various parts of the country seem to be contrary to the physical and learning need of elementary school children.

A growing number of Arizona schools are trading playtime for more instructional time, part of a national trend. An estimated 40 percent of elementary schools have eliminated or cut back recess, according to the American Association for the Child’s Right to Play. Certain school in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and Connecticut have abandoned recess altogether and new schools are currently being built without playgrounds. It is our hope that California does not follow similar trends and will be a leader in bringing back playtime for our children.

I feel that taking recess away completely from elementary school is inhumane. Especially given the fact that federal law requires breaks in the workday for adults, it should definitely be the same for children.

.I am asking you to do whatever is within your power to make sure that recess is a mandatory part of every public schools daily program. With your support, California can set the example for other states across the nation and send the message that our children’s health is a priority.

This article is in three parts. This is part three. 1 2 3