EXPANDED RECESS ADVOCATES: Rep. Fred Love with his son, Frederick II, and Izzy Kopsky. Brian Chilson

A House committee advanced a bill that would expand the time allotted for recess in public elementary schools.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jana Della Rosa (R-Rogers), requires that public elementary school students receive at least 40 minutes of “unstructured” social play, i.e. what most of us think of as traditional recess. Even in bad weather, schools would be required to provide opportunities for free play and vigorous physical activity. It would recategorize recess from “duty time” to “instructional time,” a crucial change because state instructional time requirements have left traditional public schools with no flexibility to expand recess within a seven-hour school day. It also expressly prohibits schools from seeking waivers from the requirement.

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Della Rosa said she “hated” mandates, but thought it was necessary in this case.

Ali Noland, a parent and member of the group Parents for Active Learning, said the state average for recess time was 20 minutes. She cited a study from North Texas that demonstrated that expanded recess improved children’s focus and behavior. She noted the health benefits as well. Arkansas ranks seventh in childhood obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend about one hour of recess, she said.

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The committee was no doubt swayed by the excellent testimony of elementary students, including Frederick Love II, son of Rep. Fred Love (D-Little Rock) and Izzy Kopsky, son of Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel.

“More recess and lunchtime would make us less wild during the day, so everyone would learn more,” Izzy said, inspiring laughter from the panel.

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Later in the House, Della Rosa said she needed to bring the bill back to committee for a technical change.

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