Saving Recess with Dr. Cathy Ramstetter

What if recess isn't a break from learning, but an essential part of it?

The Education Entrepreneurship Lab's Nasiyah Isra-Ul talks with health educator Dr. Cathy Ramstetter, co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on recess and author of the new book Why Recess Matters. They explore how unstructured, child-directed play supports social connection, cognitive performance, academic engagement, and school attendance—and why students need it from elementary school through 12th grade.

Dr. Ramstetter also shares practical ideas for creating inclusive play environments, explains the inequities caused by withholding recess as punishment, and invites educators to embrace a more curious and joyful "recess mindset."

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