I was away on vacation for a week, and at lunch was talking to some lovely moms I met. They were telling me how their kids (from different states) have only 20 minutes for lunch and no recess at their schools. I have consulted with public and private schools in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut all of whom provide for at least a 35 minute lunch (many had 45 minutes) and never came across 'no recess policies or 20 minute lunches. I was somewhat taken aback.  How much time does your school give for lunch?  What about recess?

I realize there are scheduling and fiscal issues that restrict free time and free play, but a 20-minute lunch and no recess is actually a horrible, detrimental solution to time and number crunching.

Please visit my blog at www.departingthetext.blogspot.com and add your thoughts and your school's policy to the discussion.