Recess Enhancement Program (REP)

Asphalt Green's Recess Enhancement Program (REP) transforms the culture of recess by making it an active and cooperative time for both students and staff. Begun in 2001, REP is now in 50 public elementary schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx and reaches close to 25,000 students.

REP focuses on neighborhoods with high sedentary levels and in schools where the majority of students qualify for free or reduced price meals. REP addresses a range of barriers that prevent physical activity in schools by redefining recess and making physical activity an educational tool for schools and students. It is becoming clearer if we want our children to succeed in the classroom, then we need to start getting them more active in playground.

The REP Model is successfully implemented by our highly energetic and trained Play Coaches. The REP Team works closely with schools and parents, and uses a "train the trainer" method. This enables each Play Coach to tailor the program to meet the needs and priorities of their assigned schools while maximizing the effectiveness of a REP's 2-day model at a fraction of the cost.

The REP curriculum is physiologically and developmentally appropriate allowing inclusive activities to be adapted for a wide variety of students in any space. It works synergistically with Physical Education and sports by helping to promote movement skills and patterns as children are growing. A recent independent evaluation conducted by Hunter College found that vigorous physical activity rates increased 43% for boys and 56% for girls in schools with REP. Ultimately REP gives children and adults the skills to be active in any environment and develop their fitness for a lifetime.

REP offers trainings and professional developments to outside schools and organizations who would like to incorporate appropriate play at recess. To learn more about these trainings, the program, or to subscribe to our monthly REP newsletter, please email rep@asphaltgreen.org.

To support REP and get more children active during the school day, click here to make a donation.

The Best of the Bronx

Watch News 12's "Best of the Bronx" feature on Asphalt Green's REP program in Bronx Elementary schools, including PS 103. The story highlights REP's success in confronting childhood obesity, increasing physical activity and reducing agressive behavior in the classroom and beyond by promoting cooperative play, teamwork, the joy of fitness and conflict resolution skills.

AG, ABC, & REP

At P.S. 63, the school featured in this ABC Channel 7 News story, Asphalt Green's Recess Enhancement Program has helped improve classroom behavior and the quality of homework. The program has also reduced bullying by 60 percent.

Visit ABC 7online.com to view Video: Recess as a learning tool