Morning is a great time to fuel up for success. In fact, eating breakfast has been shown to help students achieve greatness by improving attendance, concentration and grades! Sadly, 75% of K–8 teachers surveyed report that their students regularly come to school without eating breakfast.
It’s hard for children to focus and learn when they have rumbling stomachs. Make sure your child eats before heading to school by sending them off with a quick smoothie or prepare overnight oats for the whole family. You can also take advantage of your school’s breakfast program – schools offer balanced, nutritious and tasty breakfast options to help your child get the start they need.
Fuel Their Bodies with Quality Snacks
Eating smart isn’t only important at meal time – healthy snacks are vital to keeping children full throughout the day. Whole grain crackers with reduced fat cheese slices or peanut butter are great options.
Low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk is another delicious snack idea that offers nine essential nutrients, including three of the five “nutrients of concern” that children don’t get enough of – calcium, potassium, magnesium, as well as vitamin D. Another added benefit? Those who drink flavored milk drink fewer sodas compared to kids who don’t drink flavored milk.
A great way to get in this powerhouse beverage is to offer chocolate milk as an after-school snack to help with homework concentration.
Get Them Moving
Short physical activity breaks throughout the day – for example, at the beginning or in the middle of class – can help students meet the goal of getting 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and can help students stay focused on learning in the process! Physical activity helps with attention, memory and cognition. If your child’s school has a Fuel Up to Play 60 team, they may have already coordinated in-class breaks at their school!
What Is Fuel Up to Play 60?
Fuel Up to Play 60, also known as FUTP60, is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the USDA, to help encourage today's youth to lead healthier lives. Student-led teams help their schools become healthier by encouraging eating breakfast, choosing healthy snacks and getting 60 minutes of physical activity every day. At school, your child will work with their Fuel Up to Play 60 team to implement initiatives or “Plays” that help make positive changes in the school environment!
Learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60 and how you can help support the program at your child’s school!
