The Fame of Health and Fitness

Although my school offers McDonald’s Day, we also have a fresh fruit and vegetable snack program. Our class receives more than enough so the children can have one than one serving if they’d like. I strongly encourage my students to eat a snack/meal at morning recess, lunch, and after school. These are the same times I eat my meals and the eating times work out to be 2-3 hours apart. But if they are hungry at another point of the day I still allow them to have a snack. Why deny kids the privilege to eat when they’re hungry? And to no surprise, kids work better academically or in gym class when they have enough fuel.

I also emphasize students drinking water. The children are allowed to bring their water bottle to school and drink as they please. If they don’t have a water bottle, we provide drinking cups.

Aside from teaching nutrition, cooking, gardening, our snack program, and physical education, I lead by example and I know my students recognize this. Every day I have students asking me to eat their snacks like, Fruit Roll Ups, granola bars, cookies, Gold Fish, etc. but I kindly say “Thank you”. One of my students is truly convinced that I “pretend” to eat healthy at school but really when I go home at night I eat cupcakes. This makes me laugh and happy at the same time. I will continue to practice my healthy living lifestyle and I hope they can take some valuable lessons on to the next year.

Are there any programs at your child’s school that promotes health or fitness? Or something you remember from elementary school that you still practice now? Is there something you do as a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that sets an example for a special child in your life? Is there a program or action that you would like see happen in schools to encourage health and fitness?