#404 - Should Schools Take Away Recess? Why It Can Backfire

All Things Sensory by Harkla · Apr 15, 2026 · 23m

Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse?

In this episode, we break down why recess is not a reward and should never be used as a punishment. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, movement is one of the most important tools kids have to regulate, focus, and learn throughout the day.

We talk about what a typical school day looks like today and how different it is from previous generations. Many kids are spending hours sitting, working on computers, and getting very little movement. For some…