Let the kids play!

Children play gaga ball in New York. Doctors say kids need plenty of breaks and recess. (AP/Matt Rourke)
Young people play ball hockey in Massachusetts. (AP/Jimmy Golen)
Students play during recess in Arizona. (AP/Dario Lopez-MIlls)
Students run and relax during a break from classes in Arizona. (AP/Matt York)
A boy and his brother play with wooden swords and shields in Virginia. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)

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Learn. Take a break. Play! Learn some more. Doctors say this schedule works best for kids. Some schools do not have recess. They want more teaching time.

Kids remember what they study if they take breaks.

Pray: Thank God for times to learn, rest, and play.

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Doctors sent a message in May. Kids need recess! Their brains store what they learn if they take breaks. Play time helps children make friendships. It also keeps kids active. Kids learn new skills and sports. That keeps them healthy. Some schools give only 10 minutes of recess each day. Older kids often get fewer breaks than younger ones. Doctors say kids need at least 20 minutes every day for free play. They also need many pauses to relax. Dr. Lauren Fiechtner says, “We all kind of need recess.”

“I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Recommended Reading: For more about play, read Dreaming Up by Christy Hale.