Students see more playtime starting Friday

Public and charter schools around the state of Arizona will now be spending more time on the playground.

Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1083 in April, but it took effect Friday for students from kindergarten through third grade.

One Yuma parent thinks that offering more recess time around the state is a good thing.

“You kind of have to have a well-rounded experience. It’s not just about the books or the math. It’s kind of everything. It’s social skills, it’s learning how to deal with other kids and teachers. Different teachers have different expectations. So, I think all of that comes together and that’s what will make the most well-rounded adult,” said Gretchen Gwynn, a parent of students who attend Pueblo Elementary School.

Her daughters have experienced having more than one recess for three years at Pueblo Elementary.

“Our superintendent at the time was pretty adamant that he wanted children to have more time to play. I think he saw that this was becoming an issue in our nation, where kids weren’t able to move around and play as much,” said Bobbie Henry, Pueblo Elementary School principal.

She said getting kids moving also means fuel for the brain.

“We need to build in movement throughout our school day so that when a child starts to yawn, or gets sleepy, or not be able to focus, get them up. Get them moving. Get glucose and oxygen to the brain and that helps our test scores. That helps them retain their learning. That helps in all capacities of an education,” said Henry.

Physical education classes can also be counted as a recess period.

It will be mandatory for fourth and fifth graders to also have additional recesses by August 2019.