House Bill 1493 would mandate recess for school children in Oklahoma, parents react

A bill is making its way through the Oklahoma legislature that would require school districts to allow 30 minutes of recess for children between pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, a lawmaker told News 9 on Monday. 

“I don’t think recess is extra; I think it’s essential. From the conversations I’ve had with people up here at the capitol and my constituents, and people across the state – they agree,” said the author of the bill, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman).

Rosecrants shared that he is a former middle school teacher. 

“I taught middle school social studies when I became a teacher back in 2012. It was a shock to me how much we don’t focus on recess for kids.” 

When voters elected him into office in 2017, he set out to make House Bill 1493 a reality—after two previous failed versions. 

“There's not so much pushback this year. I had to change a few things. My original [version] went all the way to middle school. My original was 40 minutes of recess.” 

He said the main pushback comes from people who wonder if the bill is necessary. 

“I do get some opposition from mostly folk – like some administrators – who are like, ‘Hey, there may not be time in the day’ and I'm like for 30 minutes of recess?" Rep. Rosecrants recalled. 

One mother who spoke with News 9 said, “Everybody deserves a break from their day.” 

“I don't see why they can't at least have a little bit of time to not have to worry about their schoolwork,” said Kori-Lin Dieter. 

As a parent, Dieter said she is grateful for the time her son gets to spend outside. 

“It helps tire them out too. That way, they’re not all hyped up with energy whenever they come home. I think it’s necessary for everybody,” she added. 

News 9 asked viewers on social media whether or not they think students in Oklahoma should get 30 minutes of recess a day. The vast majority of commenters affirmed, and many advocated for kids getting more time than that. 

Similar laws have been passed in California, Illinois, and Washington. 

Other states, like Georgia, Louisiana, and Missouri enacted laws requiring recess but don’t specify a minimum of 30 minutes. 

News 9 also reached out to surrounding school districts to find out what their recess procedures are like. Here is what we found: 

Deer Creek Schools 

“All of our Pre-K through fifth grade students get at least 30 minutes of recess a day,” said Public Information Officer Maggie Leftwich. 

Edmond Public Schools 

Pre-K through 5th grade receive a minimum of 25 minutes daily. Middle schoolers in grades six through eight get 10-15 minutes, according to EPS. 

Guthrie Public Schools 

TBD 

Mid-Del Schools 

TBD 

Moore Public Schools 

Elementary schoolers receive 25 minutes of recess, the district shared. 

Mustang Public Schools 

Pre-K through 6th grade receive daily recess for 25-30 minutes depending on the grade level and outdoor conditions. 

Norman Public Schools 

Each elementary school gives 25 minutes of recess either before or after lunch. Most elementary schools in Norman give “extra” recess time to kindergarteners and first graders, which can range from 15-20 minutes. Middle schoolers and high schoolers do not receive recess, the district shared with News 9. 

Oklahoma City Public Schools 

Pre-K through 4th grades get a minimum of 20 minutes of recess, in addition to at least 60 minutes of a physical education class per week. 

Media Relations Manager Crystal Raymond added, “Please note that these are minimums and that schools/grades may provide more recess at their discretion.” 

Putnam City Schools 

AJ Graffeo, the Communications Director for Putnam City Schools, said pre-K through 5th graders receive at least 30 minutes daily. 

Yukon Public Schools 

Pre-K through 8th grade receive at least 25 minutes a day, according to the district.