Frequently Asked Questions

  • Say YES to RECESS is a national advocacy movement dedicated to ensuring every child has access to meaningful, daily, unstructured play during the school day. We work with families, educators, students, communities, and policymakers to make recess a priority for children everywhere.

  • Say YES to RECESS successfully advocated for recess expansion in Tennessee, helping secure legislation that increased required daily recess for elementary students from 15 minutes to 40 minutes. Today, our movement continues to grow nationwide, with chapters across the country working to expand access to recess.

ABOUT

RECESS

  • Recess is more than a break—it is an essential part of a child's development. Daily recess supports physical health, mental well-being, creativity, problem-solving, social skills, and classroom focus. When children have time to play, they are better prepared to learn.

  • We advocate for meaningful daily recess that gives every child the opportunity to move, play, and connect with others. We believe recess should:

    • Provide at least 60 minutes of unstructured play each day.

    • Take place outdoors whenever possible.

    • Never be withheld as punishment or used as a reward.

    • Allow children the freedom to choose how they play.

    • Support physical health, social connection, emotional well-being, and cognitive development.

  • Yes! Research consistently shows that meaningful recess improves attention, classroom behavior, memory, creativity, and overall academic performance. When children have time to move, play, and recharge, they return to the classroom better prepared to learn. Recess also supports physical health, emotional well-being, and positive social development.

  • No. While both are important, recess and physical education serve different purposes. Physical education is a structured class with planned instruction and learning objectives, while recess is unstructured, child-directed free play. Children benefit from both, and one should never replace the other. At Say YES to RECESS, we advocate for meaningful daily recess in addition to quality physical education.

  • This varies by state or district. Some places mandate daily recess, but many others leave it up to individual schools. Our goal is to make protected recess time a consistent part of the school day for all students.

  • No! Our mission extends far beyond elementary school. While many of our early legislative victories have focused on younger students, we believe recess and meaningful breaks should not end after fifth grade. Middle and high school students also benefit from opportunities to move, connect with peers, relieve stress, and support their mental and physical well-being. Say YES to RECESS is committed to advocating for healthier school days for students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school.

  • Anyone passionate about improving children's school experiences can get involved by starting a local chapter. Chapters bring together families, educators, students, and community members to advocate for meaningful recess policies and support schools in their area. https://www.sayyestorecess.com/addyourstate

  • YES! Organizations can partner with us by sharing resources, supporting local advocacy efforts, connecting with a chapter, or helping promote the importance of daily recess within their community.

    • Donate

    • Volunteer

    • Join/Start a chapter

    • Advocate

    • Follow on social media

GET INVOLVED

ADVOCACY

  • No. While policy change is an important part of SYTR, we also focus on raising awareness, educating communities, supporting local advocacy efforts, and empowering people to make recess a priority in schools.

  • One of the most effective ways to support meaningful daily recess is by contacting your elected officials. We encourage you to call, email, or meet with your state legislators to share why recess matters for children's health, well-being, and academic success. Visit our Chapters page to connect with your local Say YES to RECESS representative, who can help you get involved with advocacy efforts in your state.