Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School

Some interesting research on the potential benefits of giving kids recess right before lunch:

Can something as simple as the timing of recess make a difference in a child's health and behavior?

Some experts think it can, and now some schools are rescheduling recess — sending students out to play before they sit down for lunch. The switch appears to have led to some surprising changes in both cafeteria and classroom.

Schools that have tried it report that when children play before lunch, there is less food waste and higher consumption of milk, fruit and vegetables. And some teachers say there are fewer behavior problems.

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Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School

By TARA PARKER-POPE

NYT blog

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/play-then-eat-shift-may-bring-gains-at-school