(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Education Leaders, New York State Lawmakers, parents and students gathered Tuesday (May 20th) at the New York State Capitol to highlight the power of unstructured play and promote legislation aimed at making recess a daily priority in schools.

The event centered on a Bill sponsored by State Senator James Skoufis that calls for a statewide study of recess practices in Grades K-6.

The goal is to identify gaps and disparities in recess time and ensure all students have access to meaningful daily play.

“Play isn’t a break from learning, it’s how children learn,” New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person said. “When kids play, they don’t just return to class calmer and more focused - they return happier, more connected and more ready to take on the world. It’s time to stop treating recess like a luxury and start treating it like the necessity it is.”

Skoufis emphasized the inconsistencies in recess access across districts: “Recess is crucial for the physical, emotional and social development of our kids, but how often and for how long kids get to play varies widely. Healthy, daily recess provides students with a better ability to learn in the classroom. Let's get to work ensuring our kids can get to play.”

Guilderland Third Graders Jude Person and Cartier Appiah added their voices to the cause, sharing firsthand how recess impacts their school day.

“Recess isn’t just fun, it helps our brains, too,” said Appiah. “When I play tag or Gaga ball, I feel strong and good about myself.”

“I think we should have more recess, not just when there’s extra time, but every day,” said Person. “Even just fifteen more minutes would make a huge difference. It’s like pressing a reset button.”

Support for the Bill is growing among parents, School Counselors, Psychologists and child advocates.

“Recess and play are critically important for all children,” said Patricia Frazier, who serves as President of the New York State Parents-Teachers Association. “The benefits are well known: Improved physical health, reduced obesity risks, better mental well-being, increased focus and fewer behavior issues.”

As momentum builds, the coalition behind the legislation is urging Lawmakers, Educators and communities to reimagine recess not as an “extra,” but as an essential part of student well-being and academic success, NYSNA Representatives said.

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