Challenge: Recess in Action

Elementary schools should incorporate at least 20 minutes of recess per day in addition to quality physical education classes for students.  This allows all students to engage in physical activity through age-appropriate games and other organized activities. Recess in Action involves intentionally designing the playground (blacktops, grassy areas, equipment) and recess activities to encourage physical activity for all students, regardless of abilities.  While recess is unstructured free time, adults can still help organize games to make sure students are staying active (and not just hanging by the tire swing), and playing together without any disagreements…with very little equipment.  

• Games and activities safe for the pavement are generally bouncing and jumping games. Examples include: Four and Two Square, jump rope activities, hop scotch, basketball, net games, and all activities where markings have been painted on the blacktop. For safety reasons, most educators avoid kicking games or striking games on the blacktop.
• Grassy areas are safe for kicking, running, striking, and fast paced activities such as soccer activities, field games, tag, and running type challenges. Kicking games must be separated from playground equipment.

Recess provides students with unstructured activity time, and is not a replacement for quality physical education. It should be considered an important opportunity for children to accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Recess also allows children to release energy and reduce stress, both of which help improve attention in the classroom and decrease disruptive behavior. Recess in Action allows students to participate in developmentally appropriate play where they can explore, imagine, and develop critical thinking skills as they take a break from the structured classroom environment.