Schools: Resources for a great recess experience (Copy)

Teachers, principals and staff: Did you know? Recess is required in grades K-5 beginning this 2024-2025 school year!

Here’s what to know about the new law:

• Elementary school students must receive a minimum of 30 minutes of recess on days longer than five hours

• Recess shall be supervised and student directed; must be held outside whenever possible; and the use of computers, tablets or phones should be avoided

• Schools are prohibited from using physical activity as punishment (running laps, doing push-ups)

• Schools are discouraged from withholding recess for disciplinary or academic reasons

• Schools are encouraged to provide physical activity breaks for middle and high school

• Schools are encouraged to hold recess before lunch in elementary school

Resources for a great recess experience at your school:

• Playworks recess tips, games and ideas

• 60 alternatives to withholding recess for teachers to manage their classroom

• Resources for holding recess before lunch (it’s best for kids!)

• Tips for an active outdoor recess

• Recess game library

• CDC recess resources and research

• SHAPE America recess strategies

• Sample bell schedules