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

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 students, recess may be the only time all day they have the opportunity to run, play, socialize, and reset their nervous system. This episode walks through what’s actually happening in the brain and body during recess, including the role of movement, social play, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and even digestion. We also discuss why the kids who “struggle the most” are often the ones who need recess the most, and how removing it can create a cycle of more dysregulation, more behavior challenges, and more frustration for everyone involved. We’ll also share practical ways to think differently about discipline and motivation in the classroom, along with simple strategies that support regulation without removing movement. From adding movement into the school day to advocating for your child through an IEP or 504 plan, this conversation is all about supporting kids in a way that actually works. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a teacher, parent, or school team member who cares about supporting kids in a more effective way. We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - Best Part Multivitamin Shop our OT Month Sale! Enter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway! All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla Website Harkla YouTube ​​ Harkla Instagram Harkla Digital Courses

You can listen to #404 - Should Schools Take Away Recess? Why It Can Backfire online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

#404 - Should Schools Take Away Recess? Why It Can Backfire is an episode from All Things Sensory by Harkla by Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L.

This episode is 00:23:14 long.

This episode was published on Apr 15, 2026.

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