Overview

Recess is more than just playtime. It is a crucial part of schooling, necessary for nurturing holistic well-being and supporting schools’ mission to provide a well-rounded education. This unstructured break fosters imagination and builds collaboration, ingenuity, resilience and critical thinking—skills at the core of emotional regulation. These are the potential benefits of recess.

To realize this potential, all students must experience a high-quality, safe, playful break. In Why Recess Matters, children’s health expert Dr. Catherine Ramstetter presents deeply researched data, relatable real-world stories, and simple action steps parents can take to support their child and their schools in designing and delivering the full potential of recess. 

Produced in collaboration with dozens of recess researchers and advocates, Why Recess Matters gives parents and educators the tools to improve how recess is designed, delivered, and experienced, to “do recess better.”

Reviews

“What do we want? RECESS. When do we want it? NOW! And daily! Luckily, all the academic, scientific, and psychological arguments in favor of recess and against taking it away are at last gathered together, right here. Great stories, too. Absorb, share, play!” —Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids

“Want your kids, students, and schools to flourish? Read Why Recess Matters and apply its tools, stats, and stories to protect and promote the value of recess. Play isn’t a break—it’s a pathway to success for people of all ages.” —Laura Haver, author of Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness and founder of Global Play Network and Author Moms

“Education was never intended to develop only part of a child. The best learning occurs when the mind, body, emotions, creativity, and relationships work together. In Why Recess Matters, Catherine Ramstetter provides a powerful and research-based reminder that play is not a distraction from learning but one of the ways children learn best. This book is an important call to protect one of the most valuable experiences in a child’s day.” —Dr. Brad Johnson, internationally recognized keynote speaker and author of Coffee with the Custodian

“Dr. Ramstetter’s book is a powerful reminder that recess is not a break from learning—it is an essential part of helping children grow into healthier, happier, and more connected human beings. She makes a compelling case that play, movement, and unstructured social time are foundational not only to emotional well-being, resilience, and a thriving school culture but also to stronger academic outcomes. Every educator, parent, and school leader who cares about nurturing the whole child should read this book.” —Amy P. Tyson, MSW, LISW-S, cofounder of Everyschool.org and mother of four children

“Children in the United States are facing a movement crisis, and recess is one of the most practical, powerful, and underused solutions we have. As a pediatrician, pediatric emergency physician, and mom, I care deeply about helping children get the movement, play, and connection they need to thrive. Yet even I have felt overwhelmed by how to translate the evidence into real advocacy within schools and systems. In Why Recess Matters, Dr. Cathy Ramstetter provides the clarity and roadmap we need. This book should be required reading for parents, educators, pediatricians, and policymakers committed to bringing health, wellness, joy, and optimized learning back into the school day.” —Emily Greenwald, MD, host of Active Play, Every Day

“Why Recess Matters is a timely, research-grounded call to protect one of the most essential—and too often undervalued—parts of the school day. . . . Ramstetter gives parents, caregivers, and kids the information and language they need to work with schools, districts, and legislators to protect and improve recess. Just as important, she recognizes children not only as beneficiaries of better recess policies but also as essential voices in understanding what recess feels like, what it offers, and what needs to change. I encourage anyone who cares about children’s health, learning, and well-being to pick up this book.” —Maria Slabaugh, president of MMS Education

“Why Recess Matters is a compelling reminder that recess is not a distraction from learning but an essential part of children’s health, connection, and success. Cathy Ramstetter brings research, clarity, and respect for children’s needs to a topic that deserves urgent attention. This book is an important resource for anyone committed to helping students thrive.” —Ann Marie Krautheim, MA, RD, LD, CEO of GENYOUth

“Why Recess Matters is a fabulous tool for parents who are frustrated by their child’s limited recess and want practical information on how to make systemic change. Each chapter provides helpful tips and inspiring stories that anyone can use to contribute to the recess revolution.” —Linnea Westerlind, Seattle parent, cochair of Recess for WA, and cofounder of U.S. for Recess

“As a mom to a neurodivergent child, I cannot thank Dr. Ramstetter enough for highlighting the academic importance of recess for children of ALL abilities. Emphasizing not only the physical benefit but also the social-emotional development, Dr. Ramstetter explores how recess contributes to a student’s well-being. Through reviewing the work of experts, interviewing key stakeholders (teachers, children, parents), and transcribing practical parent takeaways, Why Recess Matters is an approachable, practical guide for caregivers on how to effectively advocate for recess for their children.” —Alia Broman, MD, Say Yes to Recess Colorado

“Many of us took recess for granted, but today’s students do not have the same access to this valuable time of learning, friendship, and play! Dr. Ramstetter offers a glimpse into recess around the world, practical guidance for recess advocacy, and inspiring stories of people doing the work to protect recess. Read a chapter, then go outside and play!” —Lindsay Poutier, MA, Say Yes to Recess Colorado 

Author Biography

Catherine Ramstetter, PhD, is the coauthor of the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Recess and a school health consultant with Successful Healthy Children, assisting schools with wellness initiatives and recess implementation. Cathy is a founding member of the Global Recess Alliance, a group of scholars, researchers, and educators from North America, the United Kingdom, and Australasia that guides schools to rethink policies and practices for recess. She has been recognized as a fellow of the American School Health Association and with the International Play Association USA’s Doctor of Play in honor of her work advocating for children’s right to play. Cathy’s research has been published in the Journal of School Health and Pediatrics, and she has presented her research at local, state, national, and international conferences and delivered workshops and trainings for schools. She has been interviewed by news outlets including USA Today, Time magazine, and ABC News.