After the first day of school, I asked multiple students what their favorite part of the day was and many answered; “RECESS!”. At first I was worried that our families would think this means their Bobcat isn’t engaged in what is going on inside the building. In reality, the joy kids feel during recess is a sign that they’re immersed in the kind of active, hands-on learning that builds lifelong skills. Recess isn’t a “break” from learning, recess is an essential part of how children grow, discover, and thrive in school.
During recess, children practice critical social and emotional skills that are just as important as reading or math. They learn how to take turns, negotiate rules, and resolve conflicts with their peers. When disagreements happen, they practice patience, compromise, and problem-solving. These experiences help them build empathy, resilience, and confidence—all traits that directly support classroom learning and healthy development. Many times, recess is the most authentic setting for students to practice these essential skills that we try to teach and reinforce in the classroom.
Recess also gives children the physical movement their growing bodies need. Running, climbing, and imaginative play strengthen coordination, balance, and endurance. At the same time, unstructured play fuels creativity and decision-making, giving kids the chance to invent games and make choices with greater independence. When our Bobcats return to the classroom after recess, they come back refreshed, better regulated, and ready to focus. Recess may be a fan favorite when discussing the day’s events around the dinner table, but it’s also one of the most important parts of their day for their overall success.