A bold move towards a healthier school culture: The Power of Play Before Lunch.
At The Entrance Public School on the Central Coast, a simple yet revolutionary idea has taken root. Students now engage in structured playtime before sitting down for their lunch break. This innovative approach has not only transformed the school's atmosphere but also yielded impressive results.
But here's where it gets controversial... While some may question the logic of this switch, the facts speak for themselves. Since implementing this routine change, the school has witnessed a remarkable 71% reduction in behavioral incidents on the playground.
Principal Dave Stitt couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. "It's a significantly calmer place now," he says. "The culture in the playground has completely shifted."
And this is the part most people miss... The benefits extend beyond just behavior management. Playing first helps students regulate their energy levels, ensuring they're ready to focus and engage in the classroom after lunch.
"Coming off the playground, there was always this angst that carried over into the classroom," Stitt explains. "Now, they get their energy out, and it makes a world of difference in their ability to sit still and learn."
The impact is evident in the school's NAPLAN scores, with Year 3 and Year 5 students performing exceptionally well compared to their peers with similar backgrounds.
But wait, there's more! This approach also addresses a practical concern for parents. Tarah Hau, a mother of four with children at the school, notes that playing first reduces food waste. "I used to get a full lunch box back, or just a bite out of the sandwich," she says. "Now, they're eating more, and I'm saving money and reducing waste."
So, is this the magic formula for all schools? Not quite. Danielle Gallegos, a professor of nutrition and dietetics at QUT, emphasizes the importance of a co-design approach. "Every school is different," she says. "Flipping play and lunch may work for some, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution."
Addie Dempsey, whose daughter attends the school, agrees. "It's given my daughter ideas about trying new foods," she says. "Sitting down together after playtime encourages positive conversations around food."
The Bottom Line: While this approach has proven successful for The Entrance Public School, it's a reminder that schools must consider the unique needs of their students, teachers, and parents when designing lunch breaks.
What do you think? Should more schools adopt this play-before-lunch model? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
