Chicago Public Schools

New Recess Law Met With Mixed Feelings

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Chicago Public School students in kindergarten through 5th grade will have more time to run around, play sports and be physically active thanks to a new law. Some Black and Brown parents are encouraged by the law, which became effective in July and requires elementary schools to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of recess. That’s 10 minutes more than the original requirement, according to Chicago Public Schools. 

Quiwana Bell, a Bronzeville mother of 13-year-old Stephen and 11-year-old Austin, said it’s a step in the right direction. “(Recess) helps stimulate the brain,” Bell said. “It wakes them up and helps them get some of their energy out.”

Recess — a time for students to be physically active and engaged with their peers in activities —  also improves memory, attention and concentration.