Every teacher, parent, or doctor can tell you that when young people get more physical activity, they are happier, healthier, better able to solve problems, and exhibit fewer behavior problems–both at home and in school. Recess is being restricted to satisfy top-down mandates and high-stakes test preparation, but research shows that when kids have more time for recess, the work that happens during instructional time is more meaningful. Recess is a right, not a privilege or reward. We need to defend and expand it, and ensure it’s not taken away for punitive or academic reasons.

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