Recess: A Child's Favorite Time of the School Day

Recess was the highpoint of the school day back when I was a child.

It was the time of day when the kids ruled. Or at least, we thought we did. The teachers weren't telling us what to do. The kids decided what games to play. We didn't have to be still and quiet: we could run and scream!

Games of tag, foursquare(not the kind on your phone!), hopscotch, kickball, and jump rope. Chinese jump rope was big when I was in second grade.

Balancing on the seesaw with my best friend, since we weighed the exact same amount and could sit with our feet resting up on the seesaw and not move, giggling away.

Climbing on top of the monkey bars, despite disapproving glances from the teacher.

Swinging so high that the chains jerk at the top before sending you back down to the ground. And jumping from that peak, feeling like I was flying.

Don't get me wrong: I LOVED school. I was a total bookworm and math geek all rolled up into one. But, recess was still the best time of the school day.

Now that my boys are in school, I want them to love recess, too. To have fun playing. But, recess has changed.

In the past twenty years, children have lost an average of 8 hours of recess a week. Danimals Rally for Recessis a national initiative designed to create healthy competition, pitting school against school. Go to Danimals Rally for Recess for a chance to win $20,000 for your Elementary school playground. Plus each day Danimals is giving recess-related prizes to keep kids healthy and active. Share your Recess memories below and go to Rally for Recess for more information on how your school can win!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Danimals. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest Rules.