5 Sep 2007
As the school bells begin to ring, thoughts of the upcoming school year occur to every parent. But while so much of school reform focuses on academic achievement and test scores, little thought is paid to the importance of play and free time in helping students make the grade.
The Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) is stressing the importance of educating the whole child, including the inclusion of free, unstructured time in "well designed academic programs". Recess, time for free play, and unstructured breaks from cognitive tasks are important components of well-designed academic programs. For more information, read The Importance of Play.
