The term 'play period' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: RECESS (6 letters), ACT (3 letters), and SCENE (5 letters). RECESS is a break in the school day, usually outdoors, where students can play and socialize. An ACT is a division of a play or opera, typically consisting of several scenes. A SCENE is a part of a play or movie in which a single situation is presented and which is usually kept distinct from the other parts by a change of location or time. Together, these three words form the term 'play period, ' which is a period of time devoted to playing or performing a play.