CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Three Clarksville moms are celebrating after a bill increasing minimum recess time requirements officially passed the House and heads to Governor Bill Lee's desk.
In 2023, News 2 first spoke with "Say YES to Recess," a group hoping to get more recess time for Clarksville students. Now, not only has their movement spread, but after approaching lawmakers last May they now have a bill passed that they hope will benefit kids across the state.
"Article after article, scientist after scientist has said, 'If you get the kid outside, they learn quicker, they learn how to socialize better, soft skills, but also they can retain information better when they get in the classroom,'” Rachel Bush, a parent with "Say YES to Recess" said. “All the way around, it's a win-win for them both mentally and physically when they get outside and get their bodies moving.”
If Lee signs the bill, elementary schools will be required to up recess time from 15 minutes to 40 minutes starting in July. Schools can choose how they add this unstructured play time, however, it must be something physical and away from screens.
“We came in and we just educated. This is the law now and this is what's developmentally appropriate for children and we — apparently — changed a lot of minds,” Morgan Garner with Say Yes to Recess said. “And we've had politicians stand up at the end of our meetings and go, 'This is the way politics should be!' And I'm really proud of that because I think a lot of times, people get really loud and we've made a big effort to just remain really respectful.”
Since starting, the group has also grown beyond Tennessee.
“This is something that's resonating across the country," Kathryn Thurman with Say YES to Recess said. "In recent years, recess times have been decreasing, so we have officially launched chapters in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Texas as of now."
Perhaps the greatest takeaway for these moms is what it taught their children.
“I just want my kids to see — it's easy to complain about a problem, but it's hard to go find a solution to do so," Bush said. "And maybe you don't hit the solution that you want, but you have to try."
Garner has a daughter in fifth grade, who won’t get to see the benefits of the new law. However, it will make a difference for her younger son, who is in kindergarten
“She can see that if she sees something that she thinks needs changing that she can advocate for it and make change, and I think that's incredible,” Garner said.
These moms say they’re not done yet. Next, they plan to push for more recess time in middle schools.