Recess Enhancement Program

REP addresses barriers to physical activity by reclaiming the most underutilized part of the school day — recess. Each year, REP serves more than 42,000 students (kindergarten through fifth grade) from 85 elementary schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Asphalt Green trains play coaches to get children physically active through over 150 organized games that decrease conflict and increase self-esteem, safety, and fun. We bring our coaches to NYC schools where the majority of students receive free or reduced-priced meals in neighborhoods with low physical activity levels. In 2017, we launched a recess training program in partnership with the Department of Education, which gives school staff access to REP’s curriculum and the tools they need to run safe, active recess in their schools.

The structure allows the school to ensure that children are safe. Students are definitely more responsive to rules, and we are excited about the activities.

REBECCA HEYWARD, PRINCIPAL, P.S. 17Q

 

WHY EVERY CHILD IN NYC SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO RECESS:

• Experts recommend that children should be physically active 60 minutes a day with 30 of those minutes occurring during school hours. REP fulfills the majority of the daily youth physical activity guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Active kids score up to 40 percent higher on test scores and are more likely to go to college.*

• Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.**

For more information, please contact our community programs team at communityprograms@asphaltgreen.org.

*ASPEN INSTITUTE

**CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION