Letter: Retain recess for health reasons

Friday, March 12, 2004 | 8:50 a.m.

The rate of obesity and its related health problems among American children is increasing at an alarming rate. Without intervention an entire generation may be heading toward a health care crisis never seen before in this country. That is why I was appalled to learn that the Clark County School District is considering phasing out recess in elementary schools.

I understand the need to meet the ambitious goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, but I don't think compromising our children's health is the answer. If anything, physical activity among elementary schools needs to be increased to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

Every little bit of exercise and social interaction our children can get is important in maintaining physical and mental health. Not to mention developing social skills. If children aren't learning how to interact with other children on the playground, where are they learning it? Children are not able to interact freely while stuffed in a classroom all day.

I also know from observation that children more often than not get very fidgety and non-attentive when forced to endure sitting in a classroom or at a desk for long periods of time without a break. It seems to me that the amount of instructional time lost to fidgeting probably adds up to the amount of time it takes to have recess in the first place.

Perhaps smaller classrooms, higher qualified teachers and a lengthened school day will better benefit our children. Taking away important physical and social activities will definitely not.

JASON ROTH