Oklahoma schools must provide 40 minutes of daily recess under new law
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Elementary school students across Oklahoma will receive at least 40 minutes of recess each school day under a new state law that took this week.
Senate Bill 1481 requires all public schools to provide a minimum of 40 minutes of daily recess for students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade. The law includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the governor's signature.
The measure doubles Oklahoma's previous statewide minimum recess requirement of 20 minutes per day.
Under the law, schools may divide the required recess time into two separate 20-minute periods. The legislation also prohibits schools from withholding recess as a form of punishment or discipline.
Supporters of the measure said additional recess gives children more opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and unstructured play, which research has linked to improved classroom behavior, concentration and academic performance.
School districts across the state are expected to adjust schedules as needed to comply with the new requirement.
The measure reflects a growing trend among states to increase opportunities for physical activity during the school day while limiting the use of recess as a disciplinary tool.
