Kids & Recess: All Children Need Physical Education (Teens & Tweens, Too!) by Mike Prochaska

All children need recess and gym – not just little kids. High-schoolers and middle-schoolers, too! In states where physical education (PE) is required, according to Active Living Research, the following was found:

• High school girls were active 37 more minutes per week.
• Teens who were active in school were 20 percent more likely to get an A in English and math.
• Children who get at least 20 minutes of recess a day have a lower body mass index than peers.

Here are more benefits of recess for kids:

• Provides learning opportunities.
• Research shows taking short breaks appears to help children focus better.
• Promotes social competence by allowing opportunities to practice new skills.
• Helps kids negotiate and solve problems.
• Kids interact with a wider range of children.