The CDC says recess is essential for getting kids physical activity and should be available for all grade levels from kindergarten through the 12th grade. And, according to the non-profit ...

Spending more time on test prep at the expense of recess actually harms students’ cognitive development and academic achievement. Studies show that recess and other scheduled physical activity breaks ...

The bill proposes increasing the minimum amount of recess time for elementary school students to at least 40 minutes per day.

Some schools also take recess away as a punishment to address behavior or academic issues. These obstacles might keep kids from getting necessary time to play, be imaginative—or even just rest.