Wash. moves toward minimum recess requirement

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Resource website link Washington state has taken a huge step forward in ensuring that children receive the physical activity they need to lead healthy lives. On Thursday, the Washington State Board of Education voted to move closer to becoming the first state in the nation to require daily recess for elementary-age students.

The last few decades have seen a big decrease in the amount of time that children spend actively playing, due to stricter academic standards and an emphasis on using technology in the classroom. As a result, many children are not getting the physical activity that is essential for their development.

The new rules, which are part of the Healthy Schools Plan, would require elementary schools in Washington state to provide all students with 30 minutes of supervised, unstructured playground playtime, either before or after lunch. While schools are not required to take a break at a certain time, they must make sure that students have the opportunity to play outdoors twice per day.

The move is supported by a variety of health and educational organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which believes that students should be able to enjoy play and physical activity during their school day.

The move is part of the Washington State Board of Education’s initiative to promote healthier school environments and physical education for children. The board also recently voted to require all schools in the state to provide physical education classes for all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

With these initiatives, Washington state is showing a commitment to providing children with an environment that encourages healthy growth, vigorous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. As the first state in the nation to consider such a rule, it sets a powerful example for other states to follow.