By

Cindy Erfmann,   Mayfield Elementary

Play:

Topics:

Physical Activity Participation

As part of the Fuel Up To Play 60 Grant and Play book. our fourth grade classes Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Renshaw, Mrs. Gardner, and Mr. Weatherford all have Recess Before Lunch. Mrs. Morris has observed children who have had a good balanced breakfast at school have more energy because they have fuel to play unlike students who do not have a balanced breakfast. Those students tend to sit out or complain with headaches. At breakfast, our cafeteria staff encourage students to “Fuel Their Body and Brain” for a day of learning and exercise by choosing to include cereal, milk, yogurt, and cheese with their meal. They have increased their milk intake, 20% from last year as a result, with the students opting for the flavored milk at lunch to help fuel their body & brain for the rest of the day.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Students have had increased their energy level and their learning ability.

How did you accomplish your goals?

By meeting with students and teachers on the playground to get feed back and pictures.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

We will be encouraging students to take advantage of "Recess Before Lunch" to help their physical activity; also to take the time at home to go out and play before they eat when they are not at school.