Importance of Recess, Play, and Active Classrooms

Research has shown that physical activity opportunities throughout the school day can improve: attendance, student motivation, classroom behaviors, social and emotional learning, and cognitive performance. Not only does time spent being active not hinder student learning, it enhances it. You can even incorporate physical activity into various content areas!​

Benefits of Physical Activity for Schools​​

See our page Research on the Benefits of Physical Activity for Schools​ for downloadable PDFs on various topics related to education ​(attendance, behavior, mental health, sleep, and more).
​SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain: "A groundbreaking exploration of the connection between exercise and the brain’s performance that shows how even moderate exercise will supercharge mental circuits to beat stress, sharpen thinking, enhance memory, and much more."

Importance of Recess

Research

Recess ​Guidelines and Resources

  • Schools should provide all students in grades K-12 with at least one daily period of recess of at least 20 minutes in length, especially post pandemic.
Strategies for ​​Recess in Schools

Additional Guidelines

Activities

Importance of Play

Resources for Playgrounds

Importance of Active Classrooms

Active Classroom Websites

Strategies for Active Classrooms

Brain Breaks (Boosts) Resources

 
 

Campaigns to Increase Opportunities for Physical Activity​

​Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP): "Schools play a vital role in ensuring children and adolescents get the nationally recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day...A CSPAP is a multi-component approach by which school districts and schools use all opportunities for students to be physically active, meet the nationally-recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: physical education as the foundation; physical activity before, during, and after school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement."

Organizations for Active Communities

Community Resources

Using Libraries to Lend Active Equipment

Check out our Active Equipment Library Program page for information and resources for creating an active lending program at your local library.

Resources for Running and Walking Clubs

Resources for Walking and Biking to School Programs