Recess Before Lunch

My kids often return from school with their lunchboxes still full. They say there is not enough time to eat, and they rush outside to play for their already minimal recess time. This article in the Hamilton Journal News. I agree, but also think the whole recess and lunch time should be expanded and the school day lengthened at least half an hour:

...“Teachers and researchers saw better behavior at and after meal time when it followed recess,”

...many districts curtailed or cut recess time to better deal with testing mandates from the No Child Left Behind Act.

...the recess reduction actually takes away from a child’s ability to function in a classroom.

...According to the study, teachers and researchers saw better behavior at and after meal time when it followed recess.

...The CDC, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Food Service Management Institute and Action for Healthy Kids support the “Recess Before Lunch” initiative.

...“Finding time to engage in social interactions helps children better communicate, share and cooperate,” ...