Academics and Free Play
Recess and Play Dates Vanish as Academic Pressures Increase
Should recess be included in the school day? Many school systems say "no" as the pressure for academic excellence increases.
Academics are also positively impacted by free play and should be encouraged in the educational environment as well. Unfortunately, many recesses throughout the country are being cut in favor of pushing the academic envelope – another loss due to adults not understanding the value of free-time in a child’s development. One of the most valuable experiences you can give your child is free interaction with peers.
Maybe play-dates do have a place in our schedules after all! The objective though should be for relaxing, undirected play among the children while the caregivers take a break and not interfere with the proceedings! Even little squabbles that occur are best settled between the children. Caregivers shouldn’t feel the need to get involved unless physical harm will come to one of the children without intervention. Children learn how to negotiate human relationships by settling their own problems at a young age.
Reduced Child-Driven Play and Potential Repercussions
We have already established the fact that many schools are dismissing recess at their schools in lieu of additional academic time – even at the kindergarten level! Many of these eliminations are the direct result of the pressure the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has had on schools to perform. It is ironic that the desired results directly impede the initial spirit of NCLB.
Children are now seen as lagging behind in our society if they are not miniature adults at younger and younger ages. Parents are falling prey to marketing ploys, making them feel guilty for not providing a wide variety of (expensive) experiences for their little ones. In reality, the best value for a parent’s money is found when a balance is found between preparing their off spring for the future and engagement in child-centered, parent-rich activities that celebrate today.
Are you interested in learning more about how free play affects childhood? Make sure you read these articles as well!
