Child playing on the playground. Image from "Bring Back Real Recess for Our Kids" petition.Local parents are asking Prince William County Schools to provide more recess time for elementary school children via an online petition that is quickly gaining momentum.
The petition "Bring Back Real Recess for Our Kids" calls for a minimum of 30 minutes of recess time per day for all elementary-age students in the county's public schools. It argues recess provides children with exercise, fresh air and time to socialize with peers. Perhaps, most importantly, it allows them time to blow off steam, so they are ready to learn when they return to class.
Brandie Provenzano, a Nationally Certified Teacher and mother of three elementary-age boys, created the petition, posting it live Jan. 9. By Jan. 12, it surpassed 1,000 signatures.
Provenzano is not so surprised. There is a bevy of research to suggest that recess is in many cases more beneficial to children than the class time it replaces. And judging by comments the petition has received, parents are well schooled in the various benefits recess has to offer.
Provenzano has been researching the topic and believes there is currently a movement in this country to increase recess time.
“It's gathering momentum (in other counties/states). I think we are eventually going to see the testing pendulum swing in the opposite direction, and hopefully, common sense will prevail,” Provenzano said.
It seems common sense that people require break time to recharge before resuming work and learning. The petition asks school children receive the same consideration.
As Provenzano referenced, a culture of strict curriculum standards and standardized testing has dominated education for at least a decade. With stricter benchmarks, recess was often the first thing administrators would cut from their school days.
The petition also asks that recess be used not as a reward for good behavior, nor taken away as a punishment. The child who has trouble controlling him or herself in class is likely to benefit the most from recess.
Commenters also distinguish between recess time and physical education time. Social scientists and child psychologist note that when children play without direct instruction from adults, they gain valuable interpersonal skills that will help them to navigate the real world.
Currently, PWCS allows its principals to determine how much recess time their students receive. In most elementary schools it is less than 30 minutes, usually 10-15 minutes per day.
Provenzano did not think that was sufficient and was motivated to take action.
"[In] all the online parent groups/education groups that I belong to, it kept coming up again and again, but no one was taking action. I just felt compelled to do something, because it's the right thing to do; it's what is best for kids," she said.
By and large, Prince William parents seem to realize the importance of recess. In winter of 2014, Prince William County Schools were faced with needing to add class time to make up for weather-related closings. Parents rallied against taking away recess time.
Today, more research is showing that outdoor playtime is invaluable for children. It may improve health, school performance, mental health and even eyesight. However, to make room for recess, something will need to be cut from the day and determining what could be a challenge for administrators.
Provenzano plans to present the petition to the Prince William School Board at their next meeting, during citizen's time.
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