By Sheryl Berkley
As screen time continues to rise both in and out of school, recess has become more important than ever. For many students, recess may be one of the few opportunities during the day to engage in active, unstructured outdoor play.
Recent research from the American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted the value of this unstructured play and outdoor activity. In its 2026 policy statement on recess, the AAP reaffirmed that play is essential for children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Free play also helps build problem-solving, communication, leadership, and emotional regulation skills.
In addition, outdoor spaces were found to positively impact kids’ well-being and readiness to learn. With that in mind, here are eight ways teachers and schools can encourage students to make the most of outdoor recess.
Promote Recess as an Opportunity, Not a Reward
Students should view recess as an important part of the school day rather than something they have to earn. The AAP emphasizes that recess supports healthy development, so it shouldn’t be withheld as punishment. When children understand that recess is a valuable time to move, socialize, and recharge, they are more likely to engage fully in outdoor play.
Offer a Variety of Play Options
Not every child enjoys the same activities. Providing access to balls, jump ropes, chalk, hula hoops, nature exploration opportunities, and open-ended play materials can help appeal to a wider range of interests. Offering multiple options allows students to find activities they genuinely enjoy, which will increase participation and engagement.
Encourage Student Choice
Research consistently shows that child-directed play offers unique developmental benefits. Rather than heavily structuring recess, allow students to choose how they spend their outdoor time. Whether they prefer running games, imaginative play, sports, exploring nature, or simply socializing with friends, having autonomy encourages creativity, independence, and decision-making skills.
Support Inclusive Play
Some students naturally jump into games, while others may need encouragement. Teachers and recess supervisors can help foster an inclusive environment by introducing cooperative activities, helping students find groups to join, and ensuring all children feel welcome. Positive social interactions during recess help students develop communication, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
Create Opportunities for Social Connection
Outdoor recess provides valuable opportunities for students to build friendships and practice social skills. Encouraging group games, collaborative challenges, and peer interaction can strengthen classroom relationships while helping students develop empathy, cooperation, and emotional self-regulation.
Protect Time for Unstructured Outdoor Play
While organized activities have benefits, students also need opportunities for free play. The AAP notes that self-directed play allows children to exercise imagination, solve problems independently, negotiate rules, and manage social situations. Unstructured outdoor play can also help students reduce stress and return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn.
Provide a Safe and Inviting Play Environment
Sometimes the best thing schools can do is provide a safe outdoor environment and allow students the freedom to direct their own play during recess. While supervision is important, children benefit from opportunities to explore, create, socialize, and engage in activities of their choosing.
Maintaining safe playgrounds can help students play more confidently and give teachers and administrators greater peace of mind. For example, installing impact-absorbing rubber playground surfacing around swings, climbing structures, and other play equipment can help reduce the risk of injuries from falls.
By combining a safe playground environment with opportunities for unstructured outdoor play, schools can encourage students to be more active during recess. This will support their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Emphasize Fun Over Performance
Not every recess activity needs to be competitive. While sports can be beneficial, many students are more motivated by activities centred on enjoyment, exploration, creativity, and social interaction. When recess is viewed as a fun break rather than another performance-based activity, more students are likely to participate.
Outdoor recess is far more than a break between lessons. It supports physical activity, reduces stress, improves mood, strengthens social skills, and enhances cognitive functioning. Research continues to show that students who have opportunities for meaningful outdoor play often return to the classroom more attentive, engaged, and ready to learn.
As schools look for ways to support student well-being and academic success, encouraging active outdoor recess remains one of the simplest and most effective strategies available.
Sheryl Berkley is the Chief Technology Officer at Rubberecycle Corporation, which specializes in impact-absorbing playground mulch, tiles, and poured-in-place surfacing. A playground safety expert, Sheryl educates the public on best practices for safe play environments, the benefits of sustainable surfacing materials, and strategies for preventing common injuries.
