What is a Balanced Day?
|
Time |
Activity |
|
8:55 |
Entry |
|
9:00 – 9:50 |
Period 1 |
|
9:50 – 10:40 |
Period 2 |
|
10:40 – 11:00 |
Nutrition Break |
|
11:00 – 11:25 |
Outdoor Activities |
|
11:25 – 12:15 |
Period 3 |
|
12:15 – 1:05 |
Period 4 |
|
1:05 – 1:25 |
Nutrition Break |
|
1:25 – 1:50 |
Outdoor Activities |
|
1:50 – 2:40 |
Period 5 |
|
2:40 – 3:30 |
Period 6 |
|
3:30 |
Dismissal |
Why a Balanced Day?
Research on a balanced school day indicates several positive effects. One such effect is the ability to structure large, uninterrupted blocks of time for teaching and learning. Reported benefits of these blocks of time include improved grades and attendance rates. Teachers have the ability to engage in a wide variety of instructional strategies, and transition times are decreased. Parents and teachers report a positive impact on student learning, teachers report a positive impact on student concentration, and principals report improvement in student behaviour and fewer office referrals.
Implementing a balanced school day can also have a positive effect on the amount of physical activity student's engage in each day. In a balanced day schedule, students have more opportunities to pursue extracurricular and intramural activities. Two outside breaks allows an additional opportunity for teams to practice. Schools also report further benefits, such as increased physical fitness, greater use of the gym, and less sun exposure during the noon hour.
For more information on packing healthy snacks and lunches for a balanced day, see:
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
www.hkpr.on.ca
1-866-888-4577
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org
Call your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or toll free 1-877-721-7520