We are calling for a change in Colorado law to require:

• two 30-minute, unstructured, screen-free recess periods for elementary school students,
• at least one 30-minute, unstructured, screen-free recess period for middle school students,
• and a stipulation that recess should never be withheld for behavioral or academic reasons.

This change is crucial to the health, well-being, and academic success of our children.

There is a misconception that recess is "just a break" and not a valuable part of learning. We disagree. Recess provides essential opportunities for children to develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation - all of which are key components of learning and growth.

A shining example of the benefits of recess is the LiiNK Project® (Let’s Inspire Innovation ‘N Kids). Over the course of several years, the LiiNK Project examined the health, physical achievements, cognitive development, and social-emotional progress of children twice a year. Initially focused on classroom behaviors and attentional fatigue, the project has expanded in its 10th year to study long-term impacts on children’s overall health, including body fat percentage, reaction time, motor skills, and chronic stress. The results are astounding:

• 6% decrease in overweight and obese body fat percentage in one year,
• 40% reduction in off-task behavior,
• 10% higher standardized test scores by 4th grade,
• 70% reduction in chronic stress and anxiety.

These improvements have been achieved through 60 minutes of unstructured, outdoor play, which should be an essential part of every child's school day.

Numerous studies support the idea that children perform better academically when they have more recess. Research, such as "The Power of Play," shows that kids engaged in play develop better memory, language skills, and behavior regulation, all of which enhance academic performance. Longer recess periods are linked to higher test scores and healthier, happier children. Additionally, recess has been shown to drastically improve children's mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting their overall well-being.

We are seeing a concerning trend across the United States, including Colorado, where recess time is being reduced or eliminated altogether. This alarming shift takes away critical opportunities for children to learn, play, move, and decompress during the school day.

The physical benefits of recess are clear, especially with childhood obesity on the rise. Children need more opportunities for daily physical activity. Several credible organizations recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for kids, including Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Studies confirmed that 60 minutes of unstructured play significantly contributes to their physical and emotional well-being.

Here’s a troubling reality. A national survey of over 500 elementary schools found wide racial and economic disparities in recess access. Schools serving mostly students of color and low-income students are more likely to withhold recess for disciplinary or academic reasons. Without formal policies in place, the result is deeper inequity for students who already face systemic inequities in education. Colorado’s children deserve equitable access to the proven benefits of daily recess, no matter which district they attend. Without a statewide standard, children’s access to this essential developmental time is determined by variable local policies rather than by evidence-based best practices.

We respectfully request that the Colorado General Assembly enact a statewide recess mandate to include: two 30-minute, unstructured, screen-free recess periods - one in the morning and one in the afternoon for elementary students, and at least one 30-minute period for middle schoolers. This will require an amendment to current Colorado law, which presently mandates only 600 minutes of physical activity (NOT specifically recess) per month.

We are calling on parents, educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to join our cause in advocating for more recess and to help us ensure that our students' health and well-being are made a priority in Colorado schools.