MIAMI – The three “R's” of elementary school education in Miami-Dade County became four with the School Board's vote Wednesday to reinstate recess.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will provide recess for 15 minutes three times a week or 20 minutes twice a week to all Pre-K through 5 th grade students.

A number of studies show that a recess period, aside from the scheduled physical education instructional classes, is an essential component of a well-rounded education for elementary-aged children. The American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, among many others, concluded that recess is beneficial to children in several ways -- it promotes brain development, language and physical development, learning, and social and emotional adjustment.

Research also shows that children are spending more time watching TV, playing computer games, participating in other sedentary activities, and have poor nutritional habits. A growing number are overweight and show early signs of heart disease, diabetes and other serious health problems. More minutes of physical play at recess could help curb these problems.