Don: I loved science, but my favorite part of schoolwas definitely recess.

Yael: Really? I always thought of you as being a kind of studious kid.

Don: Oh, I was. I loved learning. But recesswas the best. I don't really remember exactly what I learned in third grade, but I vividly remember running around outside during playtimes. And the thing is, recessis important for learning. Many studies have shown that taking breaks helps improve memoryand brain function. Whether its kids playing during recess or adults taking a coffee break at work, learning happens best when it's broken up into chunks instead of happening over one long, continuousperiod. Another way to put it is that during learning, the brain needsperiodicrests to replenishchemicals important for forming long-term memories.

Yael: OK, but if taking breaks is so important, then why have so many elementaryschools shortened recessor gotten rid of it completely over the past decade?

Don: Well, it's not because recessisn't valuablefor learning. Many schools are under pressureto reach certainperformancestandards in math and reading. So administrators often cut recess in order to cram in more instructionand class work. But that goes against the bulkof the scientific datathat suggest recess helps improve learning. Plus, not surprisingly, free play and physical activity have been shown to be good for kids' mental, social, and physical health.

Yael: So schools should probably increase recesstime, not cut it.

Don: That's true, according to science.