Based on my experiences in elementary school, a typical day encompassed a variety of physical activities outdoors as a break from the rigid structure of the classroom (this being, recess). This would garner games such as hopscotch, tetherball, soccer, basketball, handball, four-square, playing on the swings, running around, and various other horseplay (jockish) activities. A non-typical day, emergent from the formation of storm clouds (and subsequently rain) would result in these said activities being halted to make room for an “indoor recess” – which encompassed the playing of a variety of boardgames (from Uno, to Monopoly, etc.). Here I shall list the foundations and reasons why one form of recess is better than the other.
The Physics
Outdoor recess ultimately results in an increase in sustained physical activity. And though I dread the actuality of the matter, running around and engaging in horseplay results in a more stimulated body, and subsequently a healthier one.
Outdoor Recess: +1
Indoor Recess: 0
The Playing Field
From personal experience, my days playing boardgames were much more balanced. While on the playground jocks dominated the day’s events with show of brute force, a different kind of knowledge could be activated with the playing of such boardgames. Depending on the boardgame being played there required different amounts of knowledge, skill, and luck – subsequently resulting in a more balanced and even playing field.
Outdoor Recess: 1
Indoor Recess: +1
Adult Supervision
Adult supervision was much more stringent on the inside than the outside (with the teacher’s eyes encompassing on all your activities). On the playground it was almost commonplace to either cuss, or discuss bad things about the teacher. However, with the indoor recess being in session came a much more strict playing environment, and arguably less enjoyable.
Outdoor Recess: +2
Indoor Recess: 1
Boy-Girl Relations
I recall specifically that on the playground, segregation was a key element positioned in place to separate the boys and girls. Due to the outbreak of cooties, boys and girls often avoided one another like the plague, and hung out in various groups. While the boys engaged in massive horseplay, girls were much more likely to play on the swings, play hopscotch, or talk about their “feelings”. With the implementation of an indoor recess came much more accessibility in the ability of a boy to talk to a girl (and subsequently pursue her). As a result, boys and girls alike could more effectively communicate with their crushes through the playing of various board games (because they weren’t gender specific).
Outdoor Recess: 2
Indoor Recess: +2
Social Arena
In the end, my biases will determine the executive decision of which form of recess was better. Being that I enjoyed being indoors much more than being outdoors, and being that I am much more likely in this day and age to play boardgames than to enjoy in various shallow jockish activities, it’s pretty much apparent what I prefer. And though I recognize the value of exercising through various sports and leisure, the ability to sit down and engage in boardgames requires much more concentration, thought, and socializing. When you’re playing a game of basketball you learn the values of teamwork and communication in a manner, but when you’re sitting day playing boardgames the ability to learn the personality of a person is more effectively expressed. Subsequently, because of the ability of indoor activities to increase social bonds, I must say that it in the end wins the game.
Outdoor Recess: 2
Indoor Recess: +3
What do you think?
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I think the allure of indoor recess was a direct result of rain or some natural cause that prevented students from venturing outside. If I was trapped inside EVERY recess, I might have gone cray cray.