There is a common misconception in our society that recess does not serve any real purpose. The Board of Directors of the American Association for the Child's Right to Play (IPA/USA) believe that recess is vital to a child's overall healthy development. (IPA/USA ) Recess periods, which are regularly scheduled periods within the elementary school day for unstructured physical activity and

The most obvious characteristic of recess is that it constitutes a break from the days routine. Experimental research on memory and attention found that recall is improved when learning is spaced rather than presented all at once. Their findings are compatible with what is known about brain functioning: that attention requires periodic novelty, that the brain needs downtime to recycle chemicals crucial for long-term memory formation. (Jarrett, O., 2002)

http://www.edweek.org/ew/vol-17/39schulz.h17

There's an added bonus for teachers too. Ms. Murphy, a second grade teacher, says, "When I go out with them, I get a whole different sense of the children that helps me when I go back to the classroom." (Goodale, 1998) Recess allows the teacher to better access the child's social skills. They can see children interact with their peers and watch them learn from other children. (Starr, 2001)

Jarrett, O. S. (2002). Recess In Elementary School: What Does the Research Say?

http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/issues217.shtml

Some common words found in the essay are:
Pellegrini Glickman, JM Children, Child's Play, LEARNING Studies, IPA/USA Schools, DePaul University, Davis Collins, DEVELPOMENT Recess, DEVELOPMENT Recess, DEVELOPMENT Physical, physical activity, elementary school, starr 2001, schulz 1998, children learn, physical education, national association, association child's play, children practice, ramsburg 1998, council physical, american association child's, allows children practice, children practice life, achievable personal goals,
Approximate Word count = 2067
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)