Could More Recess Time Really Be The Answer To Better Test Scores? One Researcher Thinks So

I can say this without a shadow of doubt that for most students in school, recess or a break time was hands down the best part of the day.

Those 30 minutes hold some of my fondest memories of school and I bet that's true for you too.

All the fights, gossip sessions, trips to the canteen, sneaking away to different corners of the school or just hanging out during recess were simply the best times we spent in school. While we can't reap the benefits of this new research, you'll be thrilled to know that experts now strongly believe that more recess time could mean children scoring better scores on tests.

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Several schools in USA are giving students students a full hour of recess every day.

These extra breaks are part of a program called LiiNK that stands for 'Let¡¯s Inspire Innovation n¡¯ Kids.' The program, created by Dr. Debbie Rhea of Texas Christian University,lays emphasis on two main parameters.

First, schools should provide students with more recess time where the children are free to spend their time however they please. This time is capped at 15 minutes above the time dedicated to lunch and physical education breaks.

Second, a strong character development program needs to be incorporated in the course curriculum. This is refreshing to hear considering there'll be focus not just on academics but on building strong qualities in students too.

However, critics are of the opinion that more time spent studying will yield the right results as opposed to kids spending more time on the playground. And since adopting LiiNK means eliminating one hour from studying time each day, critics fear this impacts the teachers' schedules and the time they spend with students in the classroom.

Dr.Debbie Rhea/James Coreas via dmagazine.com

That said, results from schools where LiiNK has been implemented have been impressive. Parents and teachers are already swearing by it.

The additional recess, they said, helped their kids focus better, misbehave less, and even lose weight.

There were benefits for teachers, too. Sandra Hill, a third grade teacher at Chavez with 18 years experience, said better behaved kids improved her morale. She described the difference between teaching LiiNK kids and the kids at her previous schools as ¡°night and day.¡±

¡°This year was hands down, the easiest year I¡¯ve had with behavior,¡± she told D Magazine.

We think this is a brilliant concept where kids have plenty of time to play. Time for kids to be kids. We hope Indian schools are listening!