The balanced day concept began in 2002 with six pilot elementary schools in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Since then increasing numbers of schools, both locally and provincially, have adopted the balanced day.

A "balanced day" changes the way in which the school day is scheduled. Instead of having the traditional morning and afternoon recess and longer lunch break, the balanced day is divided into three 100 minute sessions separated by two nutrition breaks of 40 to 50 minutes. However, different times can be used as long as the instructional time for each day totals 300 minutes.

KPR schools began the balanced day schedule primarily to reduce time lost from studies and improve delivery of programs for students. Principals and teachers were concerned about the amount of down time three recess breaks took from instructional time. With the increased number of students who are allergic to bee stings, many schools have snack time before the recess break. Suiting up and down during the winter also takes away valuable instruction time. The balanced day reduces this lost time considerably.

In addition, with the two longer break periods -- usually 40 to 50 minutes each -- half of school staff members are available for supervision on each of the nutritional breaks. This allows the principal or vice principal more time to meet with staff and parents, and makes scheduling easier.

Feedback

Students believe that they are more focused and their learning has improved. Parents see their children adapting well to the change and improving in their classroom performance. Nutritionists from the health units applaud the change as it allows children to eat within a schedule that is more conducive to a growing body, versus the adult eating schedule of "high noon."

Other results:

Principals report increased time-on-task for students given the longer nutrition breaks which allow for snack/lunch time, dressing for winter weather, returning from recess and taking off winter gear.

Principals note that their buildings have taken on a sense of calm with fewer disruptions to the day.

Teachers comment that it is easier to focus students after the second break and maintain focus, rather than trying to get students back on-task after a third recess.

Some schools are offering more co-instructional activities such as music or athletics, as there are now two sessions in the day when they can be offered.

For more information on the balanced day, please speak with your principal.