Even the Wall Street Journal thinks we've gone too far!

On the free section of the WSJ website, read an interesting article entitled "Rethinking Recess."

Here's the start:

Rethinking Recess

As More Schools Trim Breaks,
New Research Points to Value
Of Unstructured Playtime

By ANNE MARIE CHAKER
October 10, 2006; Page D1

Does recess deserve to get a reprieve?

Schools have been trimming fixed periods of unstructured playtime for years, citing mounting pressure from federal-testing requirements and concerns over playground accidents that can lead to lawsuits.

Now, national groups representing parents and pediatricians are stepping in to champion more playtime, as a growing body of research points to the benefits of the kind of free play that can't be found in gym class.

A report released yesterday by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that recess can foster creativity and social skills, arguing that when play is undirected, kids become resourceful in figuring out conflict resolution, negotiation and even leadership -- which might not surface as naturally in an adult-structured atmosphere, when children are more likely to "acquiesce to adult rules and concerns." The report cites academic research and includes advice for pediatricians on how to promote and recommend "free child-centered play."