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