By NEIL ZOLOT
NORTH READING — Should students have more time to be outside during their school day?
“We have less time than other districts,” School Committee Chairman Scott Buckley said at the board’s June 17 meeting in reference to information presented by Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly indicating the town’s elementary school students spend only 15 minutes outside for recess during their six hour and 15 minute school day from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. “It’s something we have to work out.”
Data compiled by Daly also indicates elementary students in Lynnfield get 20 to 60 minutes outside each day while elementary students in Middleton and Wakefield get 35 minutes, and Reading students get 20 minutes.
One opinion from a parent, presented without attribution in Daly’s presentation, states: “Outdoor time and recess are so important for kids and everyone in so many areas, including social, emotional, physical and mental health.”
Another opinion presented stated: “Countless studies show more recess time results in reductions in stress and higher academic achievement.”
“I feel we, as a society, are at a critical juncture with the need to increase outside play,” states the writer of a third letter.
What Daly labeled as “perception data” from students and parents indicates 15 minutes a day for recess is consistent across elementary schools, but there are inconsistent opportunities for outdoor recess, often based on the weather. Additionally, some students have outdoor snack time and some science classes are held outside, but there are limited opportunities for older students to eat lunch outside without a courtyard (the original NRHS had an outdoor courtyard where students could eat lunch). Gym classes are often held outside, especially in the early fall and late spring.
“We have agreement about more outdoor time, but that may change if people know it may affect class time,” Daly cautioned, “We’ve got to keep this discussion going. If we can explain the social and emotional benefits, we can get past parental concerns.”
Daly also feels free time is important in a society where so much of a child’s time is programmed with dance classes, music lessons and sports, among other activities.
Adding more outdoor time won’t be easy, however. Daly pointed out that teacher contracts include how much recess time they have to supervise therefore community volunteers could be needed.
In addition there must be spaces and equipment for more outdoor time. “We have to look at outdoor space so students want to be outside,” School Committee member Tim Sutherland offered.
It seems to be less of an issue at the Middle/High School complex because students are older, they move from class to class more frequently, and the buildings are much roomier.
Other considerations include the fact that extending the school day to accommodate additional recess periods would affect bus schedules, after-school activities and the routines of students and parents.
“Immediate steps”
Daly’s presentation outlined increasing recess to 20 minutes, increasing “free play” time in kindergarten, sharing best practices for these items across the elementary schools, and setting community-wide goals for increasing outdoor time, free play and device-free time as “immediate steps” to be taken.
“I love this is a community-wide goal,” School Committee member Jennifer Leenders said. “I hope this will lead to what we’re looking for. Logistical issues have to be worked out, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
“It’s a worthy goal to get to,” Buckley agreed, jokingly adding. “There’s no anti-recess movement in town. Everybody is pro-recess.”
