Today’s guest blog post comes from nine-year old Michael Finetti. Michael blogs for BestBeWell.com, a blog that inspires people to live a healthy lifestyle. He writes about health, fitness and nutrition, as they pertain to kids. Michael is a swimmer for Sandpipers of Nevada and knows first-hand the benefits of an active lifestyle.
I just received my 4th grade school year information in the mail. I am excited for the new year, but was disappointed to see that us kids only get 35 minutes total for lunch and recess. It was the same amount of time we got last year and the year before, but I never thought about it until now.
A short lunch and recess time means that we all have to play fast and then eat fast. And, if you wait in the school lunch line and happen to be the last person in line, you’ll have about 5 minutes to eat.
Why do kids have to eat fast and play fast when adults get a whole one hour for lunch? Aren’t we supposed chew our food well and give our bodies a chance to digest? I read that there is also a relationship between eating fast and obesity. So, if we’re going to be forced to eat fast and then maybe gain weight, shouldn’t we be able to run around and burn it off, at least?
Last year, I wasted so much food because I didn’t have enough time to eat my entire lunch. This year, I’ve asked my mom to give me half the amount of food. I can’t tell you how many times I had stomach aches during the day. Do you think this has something to do with eating fast?
My mom told me that there was a time when kids used to get three recesses per day. I know that there are some states that don’t offer recess at all. I am glad for what we have, but I still don’t think it’s a long enough of a break.
Research shows that free time during school helps kids learn how to socialize, like sharing, cooperating, problem solving and communicating. These are skills I know I can improve on. Also, playground time gives us a chance to explore, be creative and learn new things, like games. Recess also can take stress away and give us time to relax before we have to go inside again.
Recess allows us to get exercise. Luckily, we have one PE class (1 hour) per week, but having a longer recess each day would be better for our bodies and our brains.
What do you think about getting 35 minutes of recess and lunch combined?
