As a person living with ADHD, I can personally attest to the struggles of maintaining focus in school due to inadequate recess time. My experience is not unique; countless students across the nation grapple with similar challenges daily. There is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of regular breaks for children's cognitive development and overall well-being.

Those who cannot use their energy and run around in the middle of the day will have to go to other options, which can change how they are viewed by his or her peers. i can personally testify to this because i had to get pulled out by the social worker to talk just to give my brain a cool down. this is what i'm trying to prevent for future children that have to face this fate because they are diagnosed with an education disability

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "recess serves as a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges" and provides "cognitive, social-emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it." (Pediatrics Journal 2013). Furthermore, studies have shown that children who have more recess exhibit better behavior and are more focused in class (Barros et al., 2009).

Yet despite this evidence, many schools across our nation continue to reduce or even eliminate recess time in favor of more classroom instruction. This approach does not consider the holistic needs of our students - their need for play, social interaction, rest and physical activity.

We must advocate for change at a national level. We call on policymakers to establish a mandatory national minimum recess time for all K-12 students. This will ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to benefit from regular breaks during their school day.

but this is just on the student side.

giving longer recess allows teachers to prepare for the next class and grade worksheets. They have lives too! They can't spend their entire time at home grading papers because they had no time to do their work at school.

the best people to share with would be local schools and students, parents and teachers, but the board is the one that has the power to make the decision. political leaders that have a role in the branch of education is also important because they can propose the idea.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating an education system that respects and supports all aspects of our children's development. Let us take this stand together!