Pennsylvania students have something to celebrate: beginning this school year, elementary schools across the state will provide at least 30 minutes of recess every school day.
Included in Pennsylvania’s new state budget, the bipartisan measure establishes a statewide standard for daily recess for the first time. Previously, recess policies were largely determined at the district level, meaning students’ access to daily play could vary significantly from one community to another.
Now, elementary students across Pennsylvania will have dedicated time each school day to move, play, connect with friends, and recharge.
Playworks applauds Governor Josh Shapiro and state legislators for recognizing something we have seen in schools for nearly 30 years: play isn’t separate from learning. It’s an important part of a healthy, engaging school day.
What the New Law Means for Pennsylvania Students
The new statewide standard helps ensure that elementary students have meaningful time in their school day dedicated specifically to recess:
- At least 30 minutes each day: Elementary students will have a minimum of 30 minutes of daily recess.
- Device-free, when possible: The law encourages recess that gives students a break from phones, tablets, and screens and creates more opportunities to move, play, and connect.
- Dedicated time for recess: Recess is separate from lunch and physical education, protecting it as its own important part of the school day.
Together, these provisions create more consistent access to something children need and value: time to play.
Research Shows That Recess Matters
Pennsylvania’s new law comes at an exciting moment for the growing national movement around recess.
In June, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on School Health released a revised policy statement highlighting the crucial role of recess in schools.
The research reinforces what educators see every day. Recess supports physical activity, but its benefits extend far beyond movement. Play gives kids opportunities to manage stress, build confidence, navigate friendships, work through conflict, and practice cooperation. And when students return to the classroom, recess can help them feel more focused and ready to learn.
The AAP also emphasized the importance of equitable access to recess and recommended treating recess as a child’s personal time rather than withholding it for academic or behavioral reasons.
30 Minutes Opens Up New Possibilities
Creating dedicated time for recess is an important step. It also creates an opportunity to think together about how we can make those minutes as joyful and engaging as possible for every child.
Schools across Pennsylvania are already doing creative work to make recess a positive part of the school day. As more schools begin offering at least 30 minutes each day, educators have an opportunity to build on what’s working, learn from one another, and explore new ways to help every student feel like they belong on the playground.
That might mean helping students learn new games, creating more opportunities for student leadership, establishing routines that make transitions easier, or giving staff additional tools to support safe and inclusive play.
And schools don’t have to figure it out alone.
Playworks Is Ready to Partner
For nearly 30 years, Playworks has worked alongside educators to create recess environments where every child has opportunities to play, connect, and belong.
We know every school community is different. That’s why our work begins with partnership. Whether a school is looking for a few new tools and resources, professional development for staff, or more comprehensive support, Playworks can help schools build on the strengths they already have and identify approaches that work for their students and communities.
Pennsylvania’s new recess law is more than a new statewide standard. It is an investment in kids and a recognition of the role play can have in helping them learn, grow, and thrive.
We’re excited to celebrate this step forward with Pennsylvania’s students and educators and to work alongside schools as they make the most of these new play opportunities.
