Importance of Recess

FROM CNN: Recess is sometimes the only opportunity some students have to get exercise during the school day. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look at why recess is disappearing in some communities in tonight's medical minute. Monkey bars, kickball — we all remember recess.

But according to a recent study from the centers for disease control, in some communities, those memories are all that's left. Nationwide, we know that 67% offer recess every single day for all students in their schools for at least 20 minutes.

CDC researcher Sarah Lee says that leaves more than a third of schools offering recess to just some students, or not at all. And the reason may surprise you. One of the biggest reasons is because of the pressures for improving test scores within core academic subjects. But along with higher test scores may come higher obesity rates.

So, in an effort to bring attention to the problem, lee has joined with the Cartoon Network's "Get Animated" program to spread the word — and, she's starting to get some Major League help. Recess is where everything started for me when it came to loving sports, and just wanting to be active and wanting to get out there with the rest of the kids. Lee and Dwyane Wade agree — recess can do as much for a child's brain as it does for their bodies. There is evidence that shows recess can actually improve classroom attentiveness, concentration and time on task.

Personally, I am into the balancing act between activities and academics. And it really depends on the child. I introduce the kids to math or reading or whatever and see if they are ready. I am not into the whole teach my baby to read at 8 months old thing or potty training an 8 month old. I have no problem with parents who choose to do that. I think it's great. It's just not my thing. Daily life is demanding enough!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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