What benefit does cutting back recess and PE in schools serve?
For those unaware, American elementary schools are increasingly offering neither PE nor recess or only allow minimal time for kids to engage in physical activity throughout the day in order to make more room for academic studies (Common Core).
Good question...I have seen that over the years. When I was in school When I was in school gym class was one of my favorites. Nowadays kids seem lazy and don't even bother dressing for gym. They also must take a final written exam. (???) Our exam was a series of physical tests. Where is JFK when we need him.
Being the cynic that I am, I'm guessing it had to do with efficiency ... If we just do more of the same it's got to be better, right? The fact that exercise and play are just as important as studying seems to have gotten lost
It sucks that recess is being cut back, but to be honest I hated PE and wanted it gone as a child. Going to the gym, changing cloths, gettting sweaty, playing basketball or some other crap,changing cloths again was just obnoxious to me. I hated it and just saw it as another 45min. I had to be at the place but not even learning.
They think they need more time devoted to other classes. I think the younger children need recess and PE. They need to release their energy. My son was like that when he was in elementary school. He had a great teacher who knew this and he was allowed to get up and move around if needed.
