Story time can take place during lunch for lower elementary students from kindergarten to second grade. Invite a storyteller to lunchtime to share short stories with the children. The stories should start once students are seated and have had a chance to eat their lunch. They may not be able to focus on eating after the storyteller begins. Suggest short stories, nursery rhymes and songs that are not only educational, but also entertaining. Older students can discuss a book the classes have just finished over lunch. Encourage students to share their thoughts on the book. Another option for a lunchtime book discussion is to give students a copy of a short story. Students can take turns reading the story aloud. Then, students can answer questions about the reading. Students also can share their favorite books or authors.
An arts and crafts table can be an alternative to playing outdoors or for students who cannot participate in sports. A crafts area can be developed in or near the cafeteria where students can create small art projects. Teachers can recommend students for the privilege. Directions for small art projects can be posted in the art room to give students inspiration and help them get started. Parents can volunteer to oversee the groups of students and help them find books or materials for a project.
Board games can be played during lunchtime. Assign parent volunteers or teachers to each game. They should encourage students to follow the rules, not cheat and be good winners and losers. Not only will students have fun playing games, but also they will learn how to take turns and play by the rules. For older children, plan tournament-style board game events. Groups of students will play the same game during lunch with the winner from each game moving on to the next round. Continue the next day with all the winners playing against each other. Keep playing in this manner until there is a winner. Encourage other students to cheer on their teammates or plan other games for them to play.
Extracurricular activities away from school can make it difficult for students involved in clubs to meet when school ends. Use lunchtime to hold club meetings. Students can meet in the teacher's classroom during lunch to plan events or practice for a performance. Holding lunchtime club meetings will give students the opportunity to be involved in activities at school.