JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Is a kid ever too old for recess? <\/p>\n
Well, a new Florida bill inspired by a group of middle school students in Central Florida is at least looking to extend mandatory recess through a few more grade levels. <\/p>\n
The benefits of guaranteed recess time are well-documented.<\/p>\n
American University touts measurable improvements<\/a> for students\u2019 creativity and conflict resolution skills, for example.<\/p>\n >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<<\/a><\/p>\n Currently in Florida, students must be given 20 minutes of recess a day in grades K-5, but local parents we spoke with told us they\u2019d like to see it expanded beyond 5th grade.<\/p>\n \u201cI think everyone should have a recess. High school too,\u201d said Tie Cross.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, even up to high school. I think it\u2019s important for all humans to be outside, but especially for kids,\u201d said Kelsey Dennis.<\/p>\n High schools may have to wait for their shot at guaranteed recess, but this year, middle schoolers will get to make their case.<\/p>\n New legislation filed ahead of the upcoming session would expand recess guarantees to include 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents need that time, especially gets them time potentially away from screens, in the sun,\u201d said Jude Bruno, President-Elect of the Florida PTA.<\/p>\n Bruno said the organization supports the idea in principle, but given the lack of homeroom teachers and the complexity of class schedules, he worries mandatory recess in middle schools may end up being a bit of a logistical nightmare in practice.<\/p>\n