The Toronto Star recently reported on a Ministry of Education memo it obtained that asks boards for input into a new regulation that “would provide school boards with the ability to structure their school day schedules for students in kindergarten to Grade 6 (primary and junior divisions) based on local needs and to maximize student learning.”

The ministry mentions “new flexibility in the scheduling of recess and lunch — for example, schools may choose to offer one longer recess period in place of two shorter ones, while still providing a lunch break,” plus the 300 daily minutes of instructional time.

While the impact of the potential changes is unclear (especially as many boards already operate on a “balanced day model” that moved away from two recesses plus a lunch break to offer two breaks instead), the proposed changes — plus ministry concern with maximizing student learning — warrant discussion about the significant role of recess in all schools.

As researchers who have long studied the links between school environments and children’s well-being, we know that reducing or restructuring recess time can negatively impact learning and development.

Indeed, research consistently shows that recess plays a vital role in academic success, mental health and overall........

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