About Kids (From Grolier Online)
Ready, Set, PLAY! A new report says kids need more playtime.
By Suzanne Freeman
Kids, listen up! Get your parents, and have them read this story with you. Then shut off the computer and go play! According to a new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you'll be healthier and happier if you do.
The AAP is an organization for doctors who specialize in medicine for children and adolescents. In a report released on October 9, the AAP announced the results of a new study on the importance of play. The report says that child-driven play (meaning play with kids in charge) builds better citizens.
"Play is important to healthy brain development," the report says. "Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles."
The best kind of play is unstructured and includes parents and adult caregivers. It includes playing with "true toys" like blocks and dolls. It also includes just romping around a room.
Structured activities, such as piano lessons and sports, are important too, just not AS important, says the report. Also, physical education classes are no substitute for having time to just play.
Playtime is getting less time in schools, the report warns. A 1989 survey showed that 96 percent of schools had at least one recess period. That number dropped to 70 percent by 1999 and is still falling.
At a middle school in Georgetown, Kentucky, sixth graders get a few minutes for recess after lunch three days a week. The other grades don't have scheduled recess time. The kids have hula hoops and balls, a well as mats and gym space.
"Unstructured recess is necessary for all kids," said teacher Sharan Gwynn. "Recess gives children the opportunity to try new things, make new friends, strengthen conflict resolution skills, and just be kids."
Gwynn's students agree.
"In middle school, pretty much all day long, you sit down and listen," said sixth-grader Izak D., 12.
"It's healthy for physical activity and gives us time to have friends," said classmate Mitchell P., 11.
"Exercise makes our brains work better and we can also get outside and get some fresh air," said Eric S., 12.
So how much playtime do kids need? The AAP leaves that decision to the adults.
"The challenge is to strike a balance," the report says, between structured activities and unstructured play.
So now that you know, grab someone and go play! (But don't forget about your homework.)
Ready, Set, PLAY! A new report says kids need more playtime.
By Suzanne Freeman
Kids, listen up! Get your parents, and have them read this story with you. Then shut off the computer and go play! According to a new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you'll be healthier and happier if you do.
The AAP is an organization for doctors who specialize in medicine for children and adolescents. In a report released on October 9, the AAP announced the results of a new study on the importance of play. The report says that child-driven play (meaning play with kids in charge) builds better citizens.
"Play is important to healthy brain development," the report says. "Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles."
The best kind of play is unstructured and includes parents and adult caregivers. It includes playing with "true toys" like blocks and dolls. It also includes just romping around a room.
Structured activities, such as piano lessons and sports, are important too, just not AS important, says the report. Also, physical education classes are no substitute for having time to just play.
Playtime is getting less time in schools, the report warns. A 1989 survey showed that 96 percent of schools had at least one recess period. That number dropped to 70 percent by 1999 and is still falling.
At a middle school in Georgetown, Kentucky, sixth graders get a few minutes for recess after lunch three days a week. The other grades don't have scheduled recess time. The kids have hula hoops and balls, a well as mats and gym space.
"Unstructured recess is necessary for all kids," said teacher Sharan Gwynn. "Recess gives children the opportunity to try new things, make new friends, strengthen conflict resolution skills, and just be kids."
Gwynn's students agree.
"In middle school, pretty much all day long, you sit down and listen," said sixth-grader Izak D., 12.
"It's healthy for physical activity and gives us time to have friends," said classmate Mitchell P., 11.
"Exercise makes our brains work better and we can also get outside and get some fresh air," said Eric S., 12.
So how much playtime do kids need? The AAP leaves that decision to the adults.
"The challenge is to strike a balance," the report says, between structured activities and unstructured play.
So now that you know, grab someone and go play! (But don't forget about your homework.)