Credits: Social Media
Teacher explains he’ll never take away recess to punish students in the classroom�
Teachers play an important role in shaping a child’s character. While many educators believe in conventional punishments that limit fun, a 5th-grade teacher is praised for an opposing opinion.
The teacher’s treatment of his student is backed by studies and psychological facts that better a child’s behavior, just like the 15-second tip to “stop children being rude.”
Teacher never takes away recess from his students
Taking away recess time is a common form of punishment children are subjected to in school. Even though this has been practiced for ages thanks to a misconception that it fixes the problematic behavior, a teacher disagrees.
5th grade teacher and TikTok content creator Dan Shutes explains the consequences of the conventional punishment which stops him from practicing it. He believes “recess is a number one behavior management tool that we have access to, and I mean that in a positive way.”
He goes on to state the scientific evidence that links movement and exercise to better mental health among kids as physical activities release endorphins.
While all kids need their recess time for overall well-being, Dan believes that children who “struggle with behavior the most” are the ones who need the break more to heal healthily and regulate their emotions.
“In my opinion, taking away that opportunity to go outside and to blow off steam only compounds the problem and makes it worse,” he explains.
‘Better ways’ he disciplines his students in the classroom
Dan himself uses better alternatives to discipline his students without taking away their recess, and parents also believe his methods are more effective.
He believes in “natural consequences.” For example, if he finds one of his students using a Chromebook for something other than his assignment, then the child would lose Chromebook privileges for the rest of the day.
Dan says it’s easier to work on the child’s behavior by using the “class economy system”, where he hands out “classroom fines left and right,” without resorting to the conventional punishment restricting their physical activities.
Parents in the comments for the teacher’s video think there’s much more fairness in Dan’s method as they don’t want their children to be deprived of recess at school.
One parent said: “Thank you for always looking beyond what others tell you to do. What you said makes total sense.”
“At my daughters school, they make them walk at recess and I think it is so wrong. I 100% agree with you,” added another. A third one wrote: “34 years veteran teacher here – I agree 100%! Recess is sooooooooooo important!.”
