Any kid can tell you that recess is the best part of the day.  Now scientists agree.  A study in this month’s journal of Pediatrics found that providing young students with one or more recess of at least fifteen minutes in length was associated with better class behavior.

I have often represented children with attention deficit disorder.  Sometimes teachers “punish” children with ADD or ADHD by depriving their recess.

The new study would support an argument that fidgety children need even more recess, not less.  This research could be used by parents at IEP or 504 meetings.  For example, required recess could be written into a child’s behavior plan.