Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs
A Guide for Schools

A: No, recess should not replace physical education classes or be used to meet time requirements set forth in physical education policies.

A: Strategies to implement active recess should include:

• Providing age-appropriate equipment.
• Having adult supervision for recess.
• Providing semi-structured activity that involves activity stations (e.g., jump rope, four square, hopscotch stations).

A: Recess in elementary schools should be scheduled for at least 20 minutes per day.

A: Physical activity can be integrated during advisory periods, during any classes, home room periods, and during exploratory, enrichment, or elective classes. Middle and high schools can also provide physical activity breaks, in addition to integration of activity during class time.

A: No, breaks are considered recess, classroom-based physical activity, or drop-in recess.

A: Teachers can include physical activity into their planned academic lessons. They can also provide short breaks in class.

A: Classroom physical activities can last from 5–15 minutes and can be done all at once or several times during the school day.