Recess

Recess Chicago Public Schools encourages its elementary schools to incorporate recess into their instructional day. Recess during the school day provides students the opportunity to take a break from their class work, engage in play with their peers, and participate in unstructured activities.

The Chicago Board of Education adopted the Local School Wellness Policy on August 23, 2006, which addresses nutrition and physical activity in schools.

The policy reflects the District's commitment to children's health and recognizes the critical role that schools can play in fostering lifelong habits of healthy eating and sustained physical activity. Providing opportunities for physical activity during the day increases the likelihood for children to be successful in school.

Learn more about our efforts to get recess into every elementary school and how you can help.

Benefits of recess

Recess provides an opportunity for physical activity, and fosters an enjoyment of movement and exercise and aids social development.

Studies have found that students who have recess daily or at least a few times a week have enhanced cognitive skills, reduced behavioral problems, and increased attention and concentration.

Recess also facilitates stress reduction, supports learning outside the classroom and offers a break from instruction.

Recess and inclement weather

Schools opting to implement recess have an alternate plan of action for inclement days. Since every school is different when it comes to available space, the alternate plan of action varies for individual schools.

It is at the discretion of each principal as to whether students go outside, as often there are other variables, in addition to the weather, which may dictate whether it is feasible for students to go outside for recess. CPS policy recommendations may govern some decisions of principals around whether it is in the best interest of students to allow them outside for recess.

Playground equipment

Students are expected to abide by the school rules already in place as it pertains to the usage of playground equipment.

Get involved

CPS recognizes the overall importance of healthy habits – breakfast and balanced meals as well as physical activity. A recess taskforce has been formed, in partnership with the 'Healthy Schools Campaign', to assist with the effort of providing guidance for schools, as they consider the possibility of providing recess for their students.

Since every school is different, the challenges are also different for each school. Even though the provision of recess is at the discretion of each principal, there are many factors and possible challenges that must be considered prior to implementing recess. Parents may discuss any concerns or questions regarding recess at your child’s school with the school’s principal.