We are in the fourth week of school here in Oakland, California. Waking up is getting a little easier for the kids and the rush out the door, though still chaotic, is starting to feel normal again. But at the end of the school day, the kids are still a little like the Seven Dwarfs: Sleepy, Grumpy and well, Antsy!

And these attitudes remind me to check how things are going at school. And when I say school, I mean not just the classroom, but the playground. Because what happens on the playground effects what happens in the classroom, and frankly, what happens after school too.

Recess, though easily overlooked, is a critical part of the school day. I know this because for past 18 years, I’ve been running Playworks, a nationally recognized organization helping elementary schools transform their recess, and I have seen first hand the how a great recess can improve the entire school climate.

Many schools are looking to boost grades and test scores, stop bullying and violent behavior, lower absenteeism and enhance kids’ attitudes towards school overall. What they may not realize is how recess can help reach those goals – or conversely, make them more difficult to achieve.

Most discipline problems and injuries happen on the playground during recess, and these problems can have significant repercussions. Many schools have considered reducing recess or even eliminating it altogether because of the incidents that occur during this time.

When bad things happen on the playground – when kids get into fights, bully or exclude other students, or exclude themselves because they don’t feel comfortable participating – the result is an unhealthy experience that spills over to the classroom. Kids return to class angry, frustrated and unable to focus on the academic work at hand. Moreover, it can contribute to students having more negative feelings towards school itself.

The answer: give at least as much attention to recess as is given to the rest of the school day.  By having designated and well-trained recess staff, schools can design a well-run recess that provides a choice of activities, gives kids a set of rules that discourages bullying and exclusionary behavior, and teaches important life skills such as conflict resolution, teamwork and empathy.

Unlike when most of us were kids, many children today just don’t have the same opportunity to learn how to play. We had more free time, safer streets, and older neighbors and siblings teaching us the rules. Today’s kids need a little help along the way.

As parents, we can help! Take a good look at recess at your child’s school. Don’t know what to look for? Ask these key questions.

Bonus: Playworks is running a giveaway this month. Parents can also enter for a chance to win $1,000 of recess equipment for their child’s elementary school! Find out more at www.playworks.org/win4recess.