This is part one of a two-part Web Forum series designed to promote more physically active recess in schools. Click here for part 2.

Part one is intended for school administrators, public health practitioners (e.g. school wellness coordinators), and parents who want to learn how to influence policies and practices that support the overall health and well-being of students.

Jennifer Huberty, Ph.D. and Aaron Beighle, Ph.D., experts in improving physical activity in children, discussed the Ready for Recess program, which works to reverse the trend of childhood obesity with specific strategies and tactics to maximize the benefits of recess. This program is based on research conducted by Drs. Huberty and Beighle, which showed that children are most active at recess when environments support physical activity participation.

During this Web Forum, presenters discussed:

• The academic and health benefits of recess being frequent and efficient;
• Which tools are needed to encourage children to be physically active at recess;
• What administrators can do to support teachers and staff to implement activities at recess; and
• How parents and public health practitioners can advocate for recess that promotes more physical activity.

Learn more about the Ready for Recess Dissemination project.