Students' Free Time: Reducing Recess Story aired: Wednesday, December 01, 2004
It is sometimes called the fourth 'R' in education. Nowadays, though, the focus on the other 'r's - reading, writing and 'rithmetic - is pushing aside the long cherished tradition of recess.
Major school districts across the country like Orlando and Atlanta, have cut recess out of the school day altogether. In other areas, elementary schools are shortening the amount of time dedicated to recess.
In just one example, a Massachusetts school district has sparked an outcry from parents, after cutting the time for recess in half at elementary schools. Students now have 10 minutes for recess, and 20 minutes to eat their lunch. Parents say that's not enough time, and they're afraid their kids are being put under too much pressure.
Guests:
Nadine Binkley, superintendent of schools in Peabody, Massachusetts
Kathleen Kennedy Manzo of Education Week Magazine
Rebecca Lamphere, a parent who started a grassroots movement in Virginia to bring recess back to schools
