Dawn Ramsey tells us why breakfast is so crucial to a positive learning environment.
- Studies show that students who eat breakfast tend to have higher school attendance, less tardiness and fewer hunger-induced stomachaches in the morning, which means fewer trips to the school nurse. Their overall test scores are better, they concentrate better, solve problems more easily and have better muscle coordination. Children who eat breakfast are also less likely to be overweight and more likely to get enough calcium.
- For most people, time is the biggest obstacle to eating in the morning, but a healthy meal doesn't need to take a lot of time to prepare. Getting organized the night before and keeping meals simple can help to make sure breakfast is eaten every day. It doesn`t have to be complicated. Fruit, toast, granola bars, cereal, you can hard boil eggs in advance, yogurt, string cheese, oatmeal, nuts or trail mix, even a peanut butter sandwich. Anything that will keep them healthy and fill their tummy`s so they`re prepared to learn. This applies to students of ALL ages.
- Easier yet, check to see if breakfast is offered at your children's school. A warm breakfast with variety and fresh fruit is cost effective and available at many schools state wide on a daily basis. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will also qualify for free or reduced breakfast.
In the Jordan District we currently have 38 of our 54 schools that offer breakfast. If you are not sure if your school offers breakfast, go in and ask. If they do not currently offer this service, visit with your principal and see what it would take to implement a breakfast program. - Most importantly, parents need to be positive role models: Eat breakfast yourselves. If your children see you making excuses, they are likely to do the same. But if they see you making time to eat a healthy meal, they will follow your good example. Your whole family will be better off.
- No child should start the day off hungry, so this year let`s take on the challenge of making sure every child has something to eat every morning. If providing breakfast is a financial challenge, please talk to your school about options that are available to help.
For more resources and tips from Jordan School District, go here.
