The Importance of Recess and Sensory Processing

Children with Sensory Processing difficulties experience sensory signals that do not get organized into appropriate responses. It has been likened to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret information correctly.

A "sensory diet " provides a host of therapeutic activities depending on each child's sensory needs. An important element of a successful "sensory diet" involves building movement into the child's day. An important opportunity for movement and sensory input for school aged children is provided at recess. Therefore, the need for recess for children with sensory processing challenges is vitally important.

Children spend much of the day taking in and processing information, and recess provides a break from these demands and a chance to get physical exercise that will actually improve their ability to focus, attend and stay organized. In the Journal of Pediatrics, a 2009 study “School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior” found that daily recess of at least 15 minutes improved student's classroom behavior.

As recess provides an essential break for our sensory seeking students, taking away recess time should not be considered as a consequence. For children with sensory challenges, recess should be viewed an essential ingredient of the sensory diet. These are children that NEED movement breaks to perform better in class. During recess, these children should be encouraged to climb, swing and use the monkey bars to satiate their individual sensory needs. In order to develop an effective functioning nervous system, children need whole body play that stimulates all of their sensory systems. Recess is an opportunity for this whole body play and is therefore essential to the success of students with sensory issues.

Alternatives to Losing Recess

1. Walking a lap around the school yard (another way to get additional exercise)

2. Have students pick up trash, return books to the library, or activities beneficial to the school

3. Have a peace table and work out problems with another student

4. Write a note of apology

5. Take "a break" from the situation

6. Have the child push, pull or carry something like books ("hard work" sensory diet)

7. Be a teacher's helper in class

8. Loss of an "in class" choice activity

9. Stacking chairs, cleaning chalkboards, moving desks ( "hard work" sensory diet)

Adapted from Sensory Processing.com

Adapted from Sensory Processing .com