
The Important Role of Recess in Elementary School for Social-Emotional Learning, Executive Function, and Problem Solving
Taking away recess as a punishment for incomplete tasks hinders rather than helps. Play is important for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Depriving children of recess undermines their overall well-being, hindering growth and creating a counterproductive learning environment. Students need recess for self-regulation and executive function. It is a time to play and problem-solve with their peers, get a movement break and some fresh air.