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Recess Before Lunch. A school wellness strategy that works. Kids Play , And Then Eat !. What are the benefits?. Less rushing through meals Less plate waste More nutrients eaten calcium, iron, vitamin A More calm students. Success factors. Admin leadership - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Recess Before Lunch
A school wellness strategy that works
Kids Play,
And Then Eat!
What are the benefits?
• Less rushing through meals
• Less plate waste
• More nutrients eaten– calcium, iron, vitamin A
• More calm students
Success factors
• Admin leadership
• Commitment of teachers, food service, admin
• Upfront involvement of parents, teachers, staff
• Flexibility
Who’s using Recess Before Lunch (RBL)?
• 40% of Montana elementary schools in 2010-2011
What do MT schools say about RBL?
• “Children are settled down and ready to learn when they return to the classroom.” - MT teacher
• “Students are eating better and wasting less food.” – Kim Anderson, Principal, Whitefish Central School
• “Students are not rushing through lunch to get out to recess.” – MT teacher
2008 Online Survey of MT Principals
• 195 of 661 responded–55% had experience with RBL
• Of those using RBL, 36% had enrollment of 251-400
Responses from MT principals
(currently/previously used RBL)
BEHAVIOR• Improved behavior
in p.m. class (81%)
• Improved student behavior on the playground (80%)
• Less discipline referrals (74%)
• Calmer, more quiet cafeteria (66%)
Responses from MT principals
(currently/previously used RBL)
NUTRITION• Increased
consumption of lunches (81%)
• Decreased food and beverage waste (80%)
• More time to eat & socialize (70%)
• Ate more healthful foods (64%)
Benefits of RBL(current vs. past use)
85 86 88 85
6053
4454
81 81 80 80
0
25
50
75
100
improvedclass
behavior
more luncheaten
less foodwaste
improvedplayground
behavior
Perc
ent Currently using
RBL
Past use of RBL
Combined
Challenges
• Revising schedule (65%)
• Washing hands before lunch (40%)
• Adequate staffing (38%)
Recommendations
• Contact similar sized school using RBL
• Address challenges during planning
• Plan 20- to 30-minute “eating time” once seated
• Trial period, then tweak process
Improved behavior+ better nutrient intake
= HAPPY, HEALTHY STUDENTS
Recess Before Lunch Resources
• http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/Wellness
• http://www.peacefulplaygrounds.com/recess-before-lunch.htm
Next steps?
