Lawmakers and educators push for daily recess in all NY schools

Lawmakers, educators, parents, and students gathered at the New York State Capitol on Monday to call for stronger protections and more consistent access to recess in elementary schools statewide.

Led by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), the event marked a growing movement to treat unstructured play as essential to childhood development—not a bonus. “Play isn’t a break from learning; it’s how children learn,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “It’s time to stop treating recess like a luxury — and start treating it like the necessity it is.”

The push centers around legislation introduced by Sen. James Skoufis. The bill would launch a statewide study of recess practices in grades K–6, aiming to identify gaps and disparities in how much recess students receive depending on the district. “Recess is crucial for the physical, emotional and social development of our kids,” Skoufis said. “Let’s get to work ensuring our kids can get to play.”

Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer said that recess “offers students valuable opportunities… to be active outdoors, interact with their peers… and develop their social and emotional skills.” Assembly Member Chantel Jackson stressed the public health urgency behind recess reform, especially in areas like the Bronx facing high rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and asthma. “We have to make sure our kids are constantly moving around,” Jackson said.

The event also featured voices from students directly impacted. Guilderland third graders Jude Person and Cartier Appiah explained the mental and emotional boost they get from recess. “It’s like pressing a reset button,” said Person. “Without enough recess, my brain feels tired and slow.”

Parents and child advocates echoed the sentiment. “The benefits of recess are well known,” said Patricia Frazier, president of the New York State PTA. “Improvement in mental health, well-being, physical health… and the ability to focus on learning.” NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky added, “We know recess is vital to our children’s development and learning.”

With growing momentum, the coalition plans to press lawmakers and school districts to make daily recess standard for all elementary students. As NYSUT emphasized, recess should no longer be treated as an afterthought—it’s part of learning itself.