ABOUT RECESS ROCKS

Recess Rocks is a comprehensive movement program that helps reverse childhood obesity and enhance learning for elementary school children. Conceived in Connecticut in 2004 and launched nationally in 2010, it is a proven¹,
low-cost and non-invasive way to help schools and organizations offer seamless integration of heart-healthy exercise into scheduled recess periods, teachers’ class-time lessons, and other times throughout the day.

Children benefit with improved physical condition; heightened energy and excitement for their schoolwork; a solid foundation for life-enhancing, healthy habits; and greater awareness and desire for the rewards physical activity provides. Recess Rocks achieves these goals with its four programs: Recess, Active Classroom, Celebrations! and Training for teachers and movement instructors.

Recess Rocks emphasizes children’s non-competitive enjoyment of using their bodies rather than mastery; they are encouraged to move in a way that’s comfortable for them but self-challenging as well. Its inclusive, positive philosophy and upbeat methodology engage and inspire children through:

• Copy-me directions ("watch my feet," "mirror me")
• Enthusiasm ("that's awesome!")
• Guided behavior ("freeze" instead of "no")
• Imagery ("hot floor," "swirl the clouds")

Somatic language that supports children’s sense of their bodies ("fold," "slide," "pop," "shiver" and "melt") and continuous movement that allows children to express what they see are integral to the Recess Rocks experience.

School communities, organizations (e.g., family resource/wellness centers, churches or youth clubs), PTOs/PTAs and movement instructors are encouraged to launch Recess Rocks using a free, detailed Implementation Guide, along with free detailed classes, activities and demonstrative videos. Using these materials, teachers and/or movement instructors have sufficient information to understand the Recess Rocks philosophy and method, and lead classes and activities. Those wanting to learn more are invited to explore customized training opportunities.

The Whole Community Benefits

Recess Rocks programs help create a continuous circle of benefits that nourishes communities:

• Schools and organizations that hire movement instructors help support the local economy.
• Movement instructors heighten children’s awareness and desire for fitness and learning, as well as help improve their physical condition.
• Children have more energy and excitement for their schoolwork, plus physical activity improves academic performance.
• Teachers feel more inspired by their students’ enthusiasm
  and the engaging tools Recess Rocks provides to enhance their teaching experience.
• In turn, teachers increase the learning level in their classrooms, which has a positive impact on the dynamic energy and well-being of the school. Plus teachers improve their cognitive health, reduce their stress  and get a burst of energy from joining the physical activity.

Recess Rocks is part of another special community, that of its parent organization, Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC). CHC has a long history of providing health services—including obesity prevention—to communities throughout Connecticut and is thrilled to serve its national community through the Recess Rocks programs.

(1) In Connecticut, the program's impact has been significant. A 2009 evaluation of the program by Yale University School of Medicine shows increases in physical activity and healthier food and beverage choices made by children after participating in the program.