But there is another dimension to changing family life in our crazy and busy age. It is the loss of time for children just to play, rest and be kids. So much of our children's time is structured. As a teacher and parent I always questioned the incessant desire of schools to set hours of homework, and of parents to structure every hour after school and at weekends with planned activities. Allowing time for play inside and outside of school is important, and I have written extensively about its importance for children's learning, development, creativity and well being (see previous posts here).However, a recent research report authored by Romina M. Barros, Ellen J. Silver and Ruth E. K. Stein, has indicated just how important rest is for children. The researchers examined the amount of recess 11,000 US children aged 8 to 9 years received, and compared the classroom behaviour of those children who had daily recess, with those not receiving daily recess. Teacher's rating of classroom behaviour scores was better for children with some recess than for those with none/minimal break. It was surprising that in this study 30% of the children sampled had little or no daily recess.
This research suggests that play and down time may be as important to academic success as the quality of instruction that teachers give. It appears that regular recess, fitness or time outdoors may influence children's behaviour, concentration and academic achievement. In commenting on the report, lead researcher Romina Barros said:
“....kids need [a] break because the brain needs that break.”But is isn't just school recess that has been shown to have an impact on children's behaviour and achievement, other studies have pointed to the benefits of outdoor activities, sport and as previously discussed play.
For example, in a University of Illinois study, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were found to have increased concentration on schoolwork when simply given a "dose of nature." The study found that students had greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park. Interestingly, this was more effective than a walk in a downtown area or a residential neighbourhood. The study conducted by Andrea Faber Taylor and Frances E. Kuo was published in a recent issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders.Similarly, Harvard medical researchers Chomitz, Slining, McGowan, Mitchell, Dawson and Hacker writing in the The Journal of School Health, (Vol. 79, No. 1) describe research findings that demonstrated a relationship between physical fitness and activity at school and academic achievement (here).
Implications for children and parents
We need to slow down children's lives. Free time is good time. A run in the park, unstructured play, time spent 'messing around', is time well spent. Our children need time each day to put agendas and timetables to one side, to burn off some energy, to run, explore and play. My advice is that parents should make sure that children spend at least 30 minutes every afternoon outside doing something physical or unstructured. This might involve you as parent as part of the activity, but it could simply involve your child playing with other children. If children have regular rest, play, exercise and unstructured activities they will be happier, better behaved, and most likely, more successful at school.
Related links
Research by Andrea Faber Taylor & Frances E. Kuo (click here)
New York Times article by Tara Parker-Pope (click here)
Abstract of the article by
Harvard medical research study on fitness and academic achievement (click here)
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