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How Recess Can Boost School Attendance: Why Playtime Matters


When you think about what gets kids excited to go to school, what comes to mind? Friends, fun activities, maybe even lunch? For many kids, recess is one of the best parts of the day. But did you know that this beloved playtime can actually help improve school attendance? Yep, it's true! Let's dive into how recess can make a big difference in getting kids to school regularly.

Why Recess Rocks

Recess isn't just about burning off extra energy (though that's definitely a perk!). It’s a vital part of the school day where kids can unwind, play, and socialize with their friends. This break from the classroom routine gives them a chance to reset and return to their studies with a clearer mind. And when kids feel good at school, they're more likely to show up.

Research has shown that schools with regular, well-structured recess tend to have better attendance rates. Studies have found that a high-quality recess environment is associated with improvements in students' school attendance (Thompson et al., 2023). When kids have something to look forward to—like recess—they're more motivated to go to school. It makes sense, right? If school feels like a place where fun happens, kids are less likely to want to skip out.


Want to see why recess is so important? Check this out.

The Link Between Recess and Attendance

So how exactly does recess help with attendance? It’s all about creating a positive school environment. When schools prioritize recess, kids feel happier and more engaged. This positive vibe makes school a place they want to be. Plus, recess gives kids a chance to build friendships and work out any stress they might be feeling, which can make the rest of the school day easier to handle.

One study even found that schools with daily recess had lower absenteeism rates (Ramstetter et al., 2010). Another study highlighted that recess benefits students by improving their memory, attention, and ability to stay on topic in class, all of which contribute to better attendance (American University, 2020). The connection is clear: happy, active kids are more likely to come to school every day.

Helpful Link: For more details on how recess impacts school attendance, check out this

Making Recess Work: Tips for Schools

If you’re an educator or a parent looking to boost attendance, focusing on recess is a great place to start. Here are a few tips to make recess a more effective tool:

  1. Mix It Up: Offer a variety of activities during recess so every kid can find something they enjoy. Some kids might love sports, while others prefer quieter activities like drawing or playing with blocks.

  2. Be Inclusive: Make sure all kids feel welcome during recess. This could mean having equipment for different types of play or training staff to encourage inclusive games.

  3. Keep It Consistent: Daily recess is key! Schools that stick to a regular recess schedule see better results in attendance and overall student happiness. Research also shows that recess provides academic benefits through enhanced cognitive development, further supporting the case for consistent, high-quality recess time (USDA ARS, 2023).


Video Break: Looking for ways to improve recess at your school? Watch this



Addressing Recess Disparities

It’s important to recognize that not all students have equal access to recess, and this can impact attendance and overall well-being. Disparities in recess time and quality persist, especially in schools serving lower-income communities (Thompson et al., 2023). Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all children can benefit from the positive impacts of recess.


Helpful Link: Learn more about the disparities in school recess and what can be done to address them by visiting this NIH article.


How Parents Can Help

Parents can also play a huge role in making recess—and by extension, school attendance—a success. Here’s how:

  • Advocate for Recess: Make sure your child’s school is giving recess the time and attention it deserves.

  • Support Play at Home: Encourage your kids to be active and engage in play outside of school hours.

  • Volunteer: If possible, help out during recess at your child’s school. Extra adult supervision can make recess safer and more fun for everyone.

Helpful Link: Learn more about supporting recess by visiting the Playworks guide for parents.


Wrapping It Up

Recess isn’t just a break in the school day—it’s a powerful tool that can help improve student attendance. When kids have time to play, connect with friends, and reset their minds, they’re more likely to enjoy school and show up regularly. So, let’s make sure we’re giving recess the attention it deserves. After all, happy kids are more likely to be present kids!


References

American University. (2020, November 12). Benefits of recess on students' health. American University School of Education Online. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/benefits-of-recess


Ramstetter, C. L., Murray, R., & Garner, A. S. (2010). The crucial role of recess in schools. Journal of School Health, 80(11), 517-526. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00537.x


Thompson, H. R., Leos-Urbel, J., & Sanchez-Vaznaugh, E. V. (2023). Disparities in school recess persist, and must be addressed. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10319329/


USDA ARS. (2023, September 11). The crucial role of recess. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ars.usda.gov/gfhnrc/docs/news-articles/


So there you have it! Recess isn't just fun—it's essential. By focusing on this often-overlooked part of the school day, we can help make school a place where kids not only learn but love to be.

 
 
 

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