The cafeteria is where most students have time to relax with friends. However, there are some challenges. Some schools have free seating choices, some have seating charts, and some require students to be silent while eating.
As students are permitted to have free seating, they run the risk of a bully sitting next to them. Or, if students are left alone, or out of the ‘click’, they are not able to socialize. This becomes a stressful situation.
Also, stress occurs for students if there is forced seating. They are in uncomfortable situations and must eat a meal with students that are not in their social circle.
Additionally, when students are not permitted to talk while eating, an unpleasant climate occurs. Along with a stressful atmosphere, students are pressured to eat. And, students feel they must eat fast. All of these pressures cause food waste.
Cafeteria Freedom
Many students and parents think students should be free to sit anywhere they want. It is believed that as students are permitted to sit where they want, they sit with their friends. Thus, believe that sitting with friends eliminates bullying. Lunch time is a place to enjoy a meal and socialize with peers. Also, it must be an enjoyable part of a student’s school day.
Cafeteria Classroom
The cafeteria is used to learn about good eating habits. Also, it exposes students to new foods. With the right amount of supervision, students learn to properly interact with other students. And, students can practice behaviors learned in the classroom.
Make it Pleasant
A pleasant climate is a must. It encourages students to eat more of their lunch. As a result, students return to the classroom with better behavior and a positive attitude toward academia.
A cafeteria that has round tables instead of long rectangular tables and benches decreases the number of students in an area. This gives students a less crowded area and creates a more social place to eat. When the cafeteria environment is pleasant, students eat more of their lunch, do better in their academic work, and have fewer behavioral problems.
Lastly, the classrooms that take a recess break shortly before lunch is the classroom that is ready to sit and eat calmly. Students are more able to socialize without loud conversations. Additionally, students consume food slower and there is less waste.
Alternative to Free Seating
There are schools that use a computer program that randomly assign students to tables in the cafeteria. Through the computer program, students sit with children not normally in their social group. Schools that use the program claim that it eliminates bullying.
