By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require that all elementary and middle school students receive at least 30 consecutive minutes of supervised, safe and unstructured free-play recess per school day — outdoors whenever the weather and air quality permits. If recess is held indoors due to weather or air quality, schools must use an appropriate space that promotes physical activity.

Supporters said that studies have shown that students who have consistent recesses have improved memories and are more focused. They noted that recess is often taken away from a student as a punishment and ironically those students are precisely the kids who need it. They argued that students become better learners when they are able to get their energy out on the playground on a consistent basis.

Bill sponsor Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the bill and how she felt about its passage.