Dismayed by the national trend of cutting playtime activities in favor of more test preparation, advocates of recess argue that outdoor play for elementary students can enhance classroom learning experiences and improve test scores. Experts note outdoor physical activity is linked to better classroom behavior, encourages developmental and social interaction, and provides a gateway experience to healthy outdoor activity and discovery of nature. (TakePart)

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John Reynolds was the newsletters editor for the Tribune from 2013 to 2017. Prior to that, he was a reporter for Quorum Report, a non-partisan online political newsletter focusing on the ins and outs under...