Three things have contributed to eliminating or shortening recess time in many schools:
the need to dedicate more time for academics, particularly reading and math; the lack of playground supervision; and the threat of lawsuits stemming from injuries. The U.S. Department of Education recently released a report stating that up to 30% of elementary school children receive 15 minutes or less of recess time a day. Now groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the PTA are advocating more unstructured playtime during a child’s day.

Those in support of more recess time believe that unstructured play promotes social skills and creativity. They say that when playtime is undirected, kids have an opportunity to practice conflict resolution, leadership, and negotiation skills.

In an attempt to mix exercise with academics, some principals have encouraged teachers to take stretching breaks between learning activities. But the recess advocates say that toe touching and arm extensions can’t replace the value of unstructured play.

Seems to me that little bodies filled with boundless energy were not meant to sit for hours at a time. Recess offers a change of pace and a greatly needed release from mental concentration. I don't know about you, but I sure am more productive if I get up and at least take a walk after taxing my brain for a few hours. Perhaps a mandatory office recess for some unstructured play wouldn’t be a bad idea in educational publishing companies as well.