MIAMI, July 29 (UPI) -- Educators in Miami-Dade County want to add a fourth "R" for younger school children -- recess.
The plan is to require recess in all of the district's elementary schools, assuring children involved far more exercise and playtime, the Miami Herald said Friday.
From pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, schools would provide 15 to 20 minutes of recess at least three times a week -- outdoors when weather permits.
"Essentially we're banking on healthier, happier kids being better learners," said spokesman Joseph Garcia. "The research tells us that's a fairly safe bet."
Though still common for the youngest children, recess is almost extinct in Miami-Dade beyond second grade. It was phased out in the 1980s.
The school board will decide the issue next month.
