Class time over free time, is the direction our society is heading. In the article “Playtime is Over,” author David Elkind discusses, the over-programming our children are enduring. The elimination of recess, in favor of more academic time. Elkind feels kids are experiencing over-scheduling; furthermore, suggest that the hiring of recess coaches will aid in the personal development of our children. I believe that kids need unstructured play. We can’t learn everything from books; therefore, kids just need to be kids.
“The Culture of Childhood” is slipping through our fingers. This is when one generation passes on a song, riddle, game, and also rhymes on to the next generation. Hide-and-seek and Old McDonald are examples, that date back hundreds of years. One day, after school my son started singing a song. It was catchy and very easy to learn.” There is Sunday, then there is Monday. Tuesday and there is Wednesday. Thursday and there is Friday, and then there is Saturday. Days of the week. Days of the week. Days of the week.” Thanks to that song my kids rapidly learned the days of the week. Wishing I learned that song as a child, it would’ve made learning the days of the week much easier. When I asked him where he heard that song he replied “the playground.”
University of Michigan found, that children lost eight hours of unstructured play, and that number is increasing rapidly. Studies show that physically fit kids tend to score highest on tests. Why should we subject our kids to the four walls of a classroom, when they learn and become healthier while on recess. As I think back to my past, my generation was “always outside.” From the time we woke up until it was time to go to sleep. We almost always found ourselves having altercation in which we had to settle on our own. Modern day kids, want to stay inside, watch television, play video games, and more consistently surf the web. I believe we learn easier from the mistakes we make. Interacting with others help is to find new, different, and easier ways to make learning fun and enjoyable.
There are many ways we learn things growing up. The vast majority comes from books, and the class room; although, the more important lessons come from our peers. Recess and free time is the best and easiest way for our children to learn. Not only do they become healthier from all the outdoor activities they tend to learn the important life lessons in the yard. We learn from our mistakes, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Feelings and emotions can be learned from a book; however, Love and Hate, Happy and Mad are better thought in the yard.
