Mrs. Berry teaches fifth grade in an inner city school. The students in the district have not performed well on standardized tests and the school board is proposing changes in order to increase the amount of academic time students spend in the classroom. If the changes are approved, Mrs. Berry's fifth graders will no longer have a recess during the school day. Mrs. Berry has researched this

Question

matter and wants to address the school board.

What points might she make from her research that are likely to influence the board's decision?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response: Mrs. Berry should make the point that there are academic reasons for children to have recess and opportunities for exercise. Physical activity affects cognitive development. Research studies support the conclusion that "systematic exercise programs may actually enhance the development of specific types of mental processing known to be important for meeting challenges encountered both in academics and throughout the lifespan."
Based on such studies, Mrs. Berry should point out the need for children to develop an active lifestyle while they are young and maintain it throughout life. Mrs. Berry should also point out that these inner city children typically lack opportunities to play outside and get exercise. She may further point out the growing problem of obesity among children.
Mrs. Berry should also tell the board about studies indicating that students are better behaved in the classroom if they have at least 15 minutes of recess every day.
Text Reference: Physical Development