Recess Research to Policy: What works?

1. Recess Research to Policy: What works?

2. Research • Recess offered throughout the day can improve student behavior and concentration • Recess can contribute as much as 40% of a child’s daily physical activity • Recess time appears to be decreasing with fewer districts requiring or recommending recess • Students at high risk for obesity are less likely to be offered recess

3. Research • Training recess supervisors can increase physical activity levels of students • Painting playgrounds with murals and lines for recreation games positively impacts student physical activity • Dividing the play space into “activity zones” can increase children’s physical activity • Integrating several low-cost approaches can increase student physical activity • Providing recess equipment encourages children to be active

4. Evidence-Based Policy Implications • Policy requiring a safe environment with activity promoting equipment and supervisors trained to encourage physical activity • Regulations calling for schools to partner with community stakeholders to enhance physical activity during recess • Policy requiring schools to designate a school physical activity director to oversee recess offerings • State and federal incentives for schools to offer evidence-based approaches during recess