Children and young people need time outside to move around. It's unnatural to keep them inside for so many hours a day. They need breaks that are unstructured.

From watching my own child, I have learned that she is the happiest when left alone to explore a wooded area. It's exciting to her to discover things on her own and sit in a tree.

Also, leaving out recess does not make children any smarter or retain any more information. Spending that time for test taking exercises does virtually nothing for them intellectually.

We also have an alarmingly high rate of obesity in this state. Doctors recommend that children have an hour break for exercise each day. We want to help children maintain a healthy weight. Healthy habits including exercise will help them in the long run and also save the state money on obesity-related health problems.