Why playtime is important.
I think that "playtime" is an essential part of the school day for students, mainly in elementary school. There are so many positive things that come out of playtime. First of all, elementary students cannot possibly sit in a classroom all day without a chance to release their energy. Playtime for this reason, helps children stay focused and not to ancy. It also gives them a chance to move around and stretch their legs. Another reason playtime is important is because children at the elementary level need to be active. There are so many problems with weight these days in young children, that without playtime, students would have little to no physical activity during the day. Playtime is also very important because it gives children the chance to interact with eachother. This time allows them to play with their peers and develop social skills. They can also learn things from their peers, both good and bad. And another reason, teachers need a break during the day too!
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agreed
I think there are a lot of benefits with children's playtime. It is good for them to move around and then to become social with others. It will improve their social skills and also help with their cognitive development. We don't know their home-life so it could be a good thing for them to be outside because they may not be able to go outside at their own house.
Imagination
Children can also exercise their imagination during playtime. I remember we pretended to be the power rangers when I was in elementary school. We would play house on the monkey bars. I think playtime is great for students, even older students. Those in high school need a break too. I think this has a lot to do with discipline problems. I wake up some mornings not wanting to do anything and having to still do them frustrates me. Kids need a break because the school day is long.
So True...
I think this is so true. I know when i have been sitting in class for a long time i get ancy. So you know those kids get ancy when they can run around and play. I also think it helps them develop good exercise habits as well.
I Think...
...that the peer interaction is far more the importance of play time than getting the jitters out. You can teach with a style in the classroom which would help those students with the wiggles participate without disrupting. You can't teach in a classroom the social situations and lessons learned from recess. My little sister has down syndrome but thankfully has had heavy inclusion throughout her school career thusfar. She's has a very mild case and is very bright. However, the most valuable thing she has learned is social skills. Because of the interactions she's had, she's able to fit in with her peers for the most part and have a pretty "normal" life for a 12 year old. Recess is a totally necessary part of early school life.
Get the Jitter bugs out!
I agree. I haven't even started teaching yet, but I have started observing and the children at the elementary age need time to get the "ants out of their pants." I have noticed that when the children have a recess time or playtime they are so much more focused because they are able to get their socializing out of their system. I believe it also makes for a happier classroom. It gives the children time to connect on a friend level. They will be happier if they have time to make friends in the classroom!
Oh Yea
I definitely think that playtime is essential to elementary students! Children most certainly can not sit still for long periods of time...heck I can't even sit still and stay focus for long periods of time!
Laura Tart
Agree
I agree that students should have their time of recess. I have noticed while working in the schools that students who have recess are more aware of what is going on in the classroom. Playtime is just as important as learning.
I Definitely Agree!!
Playtime during the school-day is just as important as breakfast, lunch, or during learning time. Elementary aged students cannot sit at their desks all-day taking in all that information without having a break to run around, talk, and play freely. It is impossible for them to do so because teachers also need breaks throughout the day from standing in front of the class and teaching new material, or reading stories, etc. Also keep in mind that rainy days should not stop you from giving your students the playtime they deserve, on days when it is raining you could easily play games inside or have students go to centers or watch a fun movie while having a snack. Anything is better than sitting down and listening all-day with no time to interact with their friends and learn things from their peers and make new friends. Playtime is definitely an important thing to incorporate in a school day, a child has to be active each and everyday.
I am going to be a
I am going to be a elementary teacher and when I went into the classroom for 18 hours I was shocked to find out children are only at recess for 15 minutes, and if that is not bad enough they only had P.E. two times a week. Like the author if we have a nation that is so full of children who are over weight, shouldn't the school system do what they can do to help out this problem. I went to a private school and we were given recess two times a day once before lunch and once after. I think this is something that was good because we were able to get out energy out and then focus on school work. When I was at the school doing my hours the teacher put 10 minutes on the side, this was time they did music and danced, allowing them to get their energy out, I think this was very affectove and useful.
Excercise
I agree playtime is essential for students. Some students may not have the opportunity to play outside when they go home. It may because they live in an unsafe neighborhood, have a sick relative in the home with them, or any other reason. Yes, I agree the issue of being overweight or obese is increasing dramatically. Not only is it important for students to receive healthy meals at school but they need time in the fresh outdoors to run and goof around.