Schools are an ideal place for kids to learn and practice good nutrition. And the classroom is a great place to start!
When teachers talk about good nutrition and choose healthy foods, children are more likely to do so too. Well-nourished children have higher test scores, better school attendance and fewer classroom behavior problems.
Building healthy habits
The school environment can have a major impact on children. Making nutrition education a part of your teaching plan, as well as being a wellness champion, is vital in helping students form healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Plus, teaching nutrition education in the classroom can help your school meet its wellness goals and complement your school’s Fuel Up to Play 60 activities. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program, created by the National Dairy Council (NDC) and the NFL, that empowers youth to eat nutrient-rich foods, such as low fat and fat-free dairy foods, and be active – it’s a great way to put learning into action!
How to get started
To help students learn about the importance of good nutrition, NDC offers online lessons and activities for pre-k through upper elementary grades. Teacher-tested materials include: