Philips Elementary School's New Recess Schedule Has Paid Off in a Big Way
May 2007
Philips Elementary school switched the timing of students' daily recess period, allowing activity before lunch. This change has allowed students to go out to play. When they return, it's time to eat. The result of this change has been higher test scores overall for the students, and fewer behavioral problems.
Helen Thompson, chair of the Active Living Partnership at Stapleton, and principal Charles Babb noticed that before the switch, kids at Philips took a couple of bites of their lunches before dashing out the door for recess. The students' enthusiasm for being active was great, but around 2:00 PM, students started to get hungry and cause problems in the classroom. It seemed that not eating lunch, or eating in a rush, helped contribute to afternoon crankiness. As a result, principal Babb decided to make a change.
Under the new policy, recess comes before lunch. Once students are done with their activities, they take time to sit and eat. After lunch, the children take about 15 minutes for activities of their choice. These post-lunch sessions allow time for students to get help with tutoring, to participate in a walking club or to join other fitness and food-related activities. Some of these activities involve parents who are able to visit the school during weekdays.
The schedule change at Philips hasn't been the school's only attempt to help students be active and eat a healthy diet. Cafeteria staff are working to promote the national 5 A Day guidelines, and they have evaluated menus based on those recommendations. With input from students about cafeteria choices informing their menu options, the hope is that food served in the cafeteria will not only be nutritious but also popular. Many students at Philips receive free or reduced lunch, so cafeteria choices are integral in promoting healthy eating.
Philips is broadening their efforts by working with teachers to reward students with something other than sweets or other foods for achievement in the classroom. Teachers are also promoting physical activity through a 'Bike, Walk and Roll' raffle in which students pledge to arrive at school using active modes of transportation. Entrants in the raffle will be eligible to win a bicycle, helmet and lock.
Philips Elementary has found that small changes can add up make a big difference in learning and school life. With other changes and new programs in the works, students at Philips are poised to improve not only their test scores, but their health and well being, too.
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