Sen. Victoria Sullivan seeks to extend play-based learning to grade 3 and guarantee recess through grade 8

Sen. Victoria Sullivan told the committee SB 578 would extend play‑based learning through third grade, require schools to include recess as part of the physical‑education curriculum through eighth grade, and prohibit denying recess as a disciplinary consequence. She framed the bill as a response to child mental‑health challenges and cited research linking play and physical activity to emotional regulation and improved classroom behavior.

Advocates and educators spoke strongly in favor. Playworks New England and parent advocates described behavioral and developmental benefits, including improved focus and opportunities to practice leadership and conflict resolution. A wood‑shop teacher and other classroom practitioners described observing better attention and safer behavior when students have regular unstructured time.

School‑district leaders and principals did not oppose the intent but raised operational and legal questions: whether recess would supplant structured physical education, how districts would find the time within an existing instructional day (school-day length and mandated instructional minutes), collective-bargaining and transportation impacts, and supervisory staffing for middle schools. Representatives of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals and Administrators recommended careful rule and scheduling guidance to avoid unintended consequences for instructional time and intervention services.

Sponsor Sullivan said the play‑based standard applies through third grade while the recess requirement runs through eighth grade and suggested that rules will resolve time-allocation questions; the committee closed the hearing and will weigh next steps.