Because of a pressure on schools to increase performance on standardized testing, schools are cutting recess and using the time to teach subjects. Teachers also commonly use the withdrawal of recess as a punishment for a class, or individual student. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that schools should keep the school nurse and don’t drop recess.
The AAP says that recess is an important part of the school day and should not be cast off without thinking. It is not a reward, but a necessary and important part of helping children learn and grow.
There are many benefits to recess. The child who gets regular breaks in the day performs better cognitively in the classroom and recess provides social and emotional benefits.
Recess is not the same as a physical education class. Recess provides children with the chance to be creative and to play with others just for the fun of it. Recess doesn’t have to be a full hour or half-hour. It can be shorter bursts sprinkled throughout the day, but schools need to carve out time that belongs to the child.
Recess should not be used as a substitute for physical education classes or visa versa. PE and Recess should be used as a compliment to each other. Recess promotes a healthy learning environment and we need to protect it as it benefits the whole child.
A second statement was given by the AAP supporting roles for a school doctor and school nurse. Nurses don’t just hand out ice packs and band aids. Children spend about seven hours a day, 180 days a year in school, but may only see their doctor once a year. Having a school nurse is an important liaison between the home, the school and the child’s primary care provider, especially those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
As it stands there is no single set of rules for states and school districts concerning what a school doctor should do. This new policy would have a doctor oversee all health services. Doctors in schools can be consultants to nurses and connect with them in anyway possible. It’s beneficial for schools to have a physician that they can easily identify and go to in case of emergency or policy development.
The best medical treatment for a child with a serious diagnosis such as seizures can frighten school staff that is unlicensed and untrained. Having a school physician is invaluable in developing a plan between the school and home for a sound medical management plan for a child.
Together a school nurse and school physician can be a well oiled team able to implement goals identified by the primary care physician and the family into the school setting.
The AAP says that every school district should have a school physician who is either a pediatrician or a physician with expertise in children and every school building should, ideally, have a registered nurse or school-nurse teacher. However budget cuts and funding issues threaten the school nurse position.
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