BEAT THE HEAT:
RECESS IN
ARIZONA
What are common recess practices in Arizona elementary schools
during hot weather?
In fall 2023, we surveyed 61 physical education teachers in Maricopa
County elementary schools to ask how often recess was modified because of
the heat between August-October (approximately 60 school days). We
asked (1) was traditional outdoor recess modified because of the heat and (2)
how many days was recess modified?

93% of schools
modified recess
due to the heat

On average, 17 days
of recess were
modified because of
the heat

More than 1/3 of
schools reported 20+
days of recess
affected by the heat

15 schools reported
more than five weeks
of recess affected by
high heat

Next, we interviewed 28 teachers to learn about what recess strategies
their school typically used to accommodate high heat days.
Changes Made Outside
42.4%

Highly active activities limited

Recess Moved Indoors
57.6%

Used spray bottles
Outdoor recess was optional
PTA brought water bottles
Students brought water bottles
Students required to remove jackets

Extended lunchtime

Water breaks required

Recess moved to gym
Recess was cancelled

Activities limited to shaded areas
Outdoor recess shifted to earlier times

Recess moved to classroom
26

Outdoor recess shortened
6
1

1

1

1

1

12
7

9
8

11

13

2

Poulos, A., Garcia, R., & Kulinna, P. H. (2023). Beat the heat infographic: Recess practices in Arizona elementary schools
during hot weather. Arizona State University.