Benefits of Having School Picnics

Students in public school are often stuck inside for seven hours a day. Younger children may get a couple brief recesses when they can go outside, but being inside all day long can make the school day seem so much longer. One thing you can do to help break up the school day is by letting kids eat outside. There are several reasons why this might be something you should consider.

Fresh Air

Getting some fresh air is a great way to rejuvenate the mind for an afternoon full of learning. You may notice that after your students come in from a picnic on one of the outdoor picnic tables that they look more refreshed and ready to learn. Anyone can benefit from some fresh air, so teachers should take an opportunity to get outside during lunch also.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin that many people are lacking in. The good news is you can get it from the sun. The skin absorbs vitamin D directly from the sun. It’s nice knowing that you don’t have to do anything but stay outside to get some of the much-needed vitamin. Spending time outside at one of the outdoor tables can help soak in vitamin D, which can benefit health greatly.

Bonding

Classmates have a great chance to catch up with each other and chat during lunch. They may have more luck doing it in an outdoor environment as opposed to a stuffy, crowded lunchroom where it’s hard to hear what anyone is saying. Bonding between classmates is important to establish friendships and learn how to get along with peers.

Mood Boosting

People often find themselves in a better mood after spending some time out in the sunshine. It is a natural mood booster which is nice for those who have been cooped inside all morning. You might find that your students are much happier after lunch when they have had an opportunity to eat outside.

Easier Transition

Many schools have recess immediately following lunch. The transition can be made easier if students are already outside. They can finish their meal and then go to the playground to spend some time playing. If the outdoor tables are close to the playground, then this makes the transition even easier.

As you can see, there are many benefits to letting students eat outside. Outdoor tables can benefit the teachers, too. It can increase your mood, boost the immune system, and allow for kids to establish friendships. All of this is beneficial to the school setting.