【英语时差8,16】休息和好表现（在线收听）

Yaël: Hey Don, what was your favorite subject in grade school? Science, right? Don: I loved science, but my favorite part of school was definitely recess. Y: Really? I always thought of you as being a kind of studious kid. D: Oh, I was. I loved learning. But recess was the best. I don't really remember exactly what I learned in third grade, but I vividly remember running around outside during playtimes. And the thing is, recess is important for learning. Many studies have shown that taking breaks helps improve memory and brain function. Whether its kids playing during recess or adults taking a coffee break at work, learning happens best when it's broken up into chunks instead of happening over one long, continuous period. Another way to put it is that during learning, the brain needs periodic rests to replenish chemicals important for forming long-term memories. Y: OK, but if taking breaks is so important, then why have so many elementary schools shortened recess or gotten rid of it completely over the past decade? D: Well, it's not because recess isn't valuable for learning. Many schools are under pressure to reach certain performance standards in math and reading. So administrators often cut recess in order to cram in more instruction and class work. But that goes against the bulk of the scientific data that suggest recess helps improve learning. Plus, not surprisingly, free play and physical activity have been shown to be good for kids' mental, social, and physical health. Y: So schools should probably increase recess time, not cut it. D: That's true, according to science.