A group of children races to the playground after lunch, laughter echoing as they swing, climb, and chase one another. To an outside observer, it might look like a break from academics—but that time on the playground is doing more than burning off energy. It is building the foundation for learning.
How Play Supports Learning
At Hanover Academy, we see recess as an essential part of the school day. When children have the chance to run, climb, and play freely, they return to the classroom more focused, more regulated, and more ready to learn. Physical movement is linked to improved attention and better memory. It helps children transition between subjects with greater ease and gives their growing brains a chance to reset.
Free play also supports key aspects of social and emotional development. On the playground, children are making decisions, solving problems, negotiating roles, and testing ideas. They are learning how to collaborate, lead, and adapt in real time. These moments of interaction build resilience and empathy—skills that directly influence academic success.
The Value of Unstructured Time
Not every school prioritizes recess, but at Hanover Academy, we make time for it because we understand its impact. Structured lessons are important, but so is time when children can follow their own curiosity, build friendships, and explore movement on their terms. Recess is where creativity and independence grow.
Our approach balances rigorous academic instruction with opportunities to recharge and re-engage. Whether it’s climbing the play structure, drawing with chalk, or inventing a new game with friends, recess offers learning that looks different but is no less meaningful.
A Balanced Day for Better Learning
Children learn best in environments that recognize their full range of needs. Recess is not separate from learning—it is a vital part of it. At Hanover Academy, we create a school day that blends academic focus with movement, creativity, and social development. That balance helps children thrive
