Connections With Evan Dawson

Local advocates with the Healthi Kids Initiative and Common Ground Health and New York State United Teachers went to Albany to rally for what they call the Right to Recess.While many school districts in the state require 20 minutes of recess for K–6 students, enforcement varies — and access to play is often shaped by race, income, and neighborhood. Experts and families say 20 minutes isn't enough, and that playful learning should extend from pre-K through 12th grade.With the pandemic underscoring the need for movement and connection, guest host Noelle Evans asks: why is recess essential, and how can schools make it more equitable and effective?Our guests:  Mike Bulger, director of Whole Child Health Advocacy with the Healthi Kids Coalition Sharon Peck, parent advocate and associate professor of literacy at SUNY Geneseo