Put simply we believe that all children have a right to recess.
Saving Recess
Experts agree that playtime can be just as vital as classroom time to a child’s social, emotional and educational development.
Despite mounting evidence that kids need an outlet to blow off steam, learn to interact with others and get the exercise they need, nearly 40 percent of American elementary schools have either eliminated or are considering eliminating recess.
Due to school budget cuts and an increased focus on academic standards, millions of American schoolchildren may miss out on unstructured play with their peers including hopscotch, tag, kickball or jump rope.
Recess also functions successfully as an established school-based activity and should be carefully considered as part of any school health and wellness policy.
A survey conducted by the PTA showed that nine out of 10 teachers say recess and the free time spent with peers is an important part of the school day and is crucial to a child’s social and emotional development.
Studies have shown that kids who are given the opportunity to take a break from their hectic academic schedules actually develop and perform better than those who go without. Peaceful Playgrounds is a great resource for parents, educators and school administrators. – Darell Hammond, CEO, KaBOOM! – Huffington Post
Free Campaign Toolbox Package
You can have the Peaceful Playgrounds Right to Recess Campaign Toolbox sent directly to your email box. The campaign toolbox contains a full PowerPoint presentation and speakers notes along with all research and documents to support daily, unstructured physical activity during school hours.
Let your community know that children have a Right to Recess!
Campaign Presentation to Bring Back Recess
Every decade or so educators stumble upon a really bad idea. The elimination of recess is one such current example.
After hearing about coach potatoes, sedentary kids, youth obesity, video game – playing zombies for the last ten years – take away recess? It simply doesn’t make any sense.
If your school is showing any of these trends, take note – children need to jump, play, laugh, throw balls, and enjoy themselves outdoors. And if your child is showing low grades and signs of restlessness, new studies show daily fitness equals better report cards and more-focused children.
It is a widely held view that unstructured physical play is a developmentally appropriate outlet for reducing stress in children’s lives, and research shows that physical activity improves children’s attentiveness and decreases restlessness.
Talk to your school, district, or state education office to get P.E. and recess back into your school. Here are some resources to get you going.
Right to Recess Campaign Presentation Documents
Alternatives to Withholding Recess
Given the value of recess in a student’s physical and social development, and the need for periodic breaks from classroom instruction, using recess as punishment is inappropriate.
Consider our popular list of 60 alternatives to withholding recess.
These additional suggestions also focus on the child taking responsibility for his/her actions and on being successful in the future.
CPS Guide to Developing A School Recess Plan – This guide provides a step-by-step process that school communities can use to consider and create recess options for their students.
Organizational Position Statements
Download the Free Right to Recess Toolkit.
Toolkit includes:
1. ArticlesRight to Recess Article
Article-Chicago Public Schools Gives Recess a Victory
Recess Is ‘In Recess’ As Schools Cut Child’s Play
Recess—It’s Indispensable!
Rescuing Recess
Active Education-Research Brief
The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement
The Effects of a Recess break on Stimulate Medication on the Classroom Behavior of ADHD.
Recess in Elementary School: What Does the Research Say?
State Of Play
Arizona Recess Legislation
NEW Recess Legislation Enacted in 2005-2007
Play ball! Recess mandated now at DeKalb County schools
States Requiring Recess Chart
COPEC- Recess In Elementary Schools Position Paper
Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement
Play Associations
PTA Survey Shows That Parents and Teachers Agree Recess is Essential Part of the School Day
Back to School — Recess and P.E. Critical to Success
Recess and the Importance of Play
Parents and Teachers Say, “Give our kids a break.”
School Recess Position Statement School Recess
The Value of Recess and Outdoor Play.
Policies for Creating Effective Learning Environments.
Recess Is At Risk, New Campaign Comes To The Rescue National PTA
Article-Recess Returns for Amherst Kindergartners
Creative Play Makes for Kids In Control
Rich Experiences, Physical Activity Create Healthy Brains
The Developmental and Educational Benefits of Recess in Schools
Out of Play Article
Development Experts Say Children Suffer Due to Lack of Unstructured Fun
Recess backlash: Parents say it pays to play
Taking Play Seriously
The Case for Recess
Physical Activity Used as Punishment and/or Behavior Management
