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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
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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%)
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
Positioning Shepherd Kidsfor a Healthy Future Crystelle Fogle cfogle@mt.gov