I Love Snacks!

Today I found myself thinking about snacks. I personally snack often to keep my energy up and my metabolism running and I am often nibbling on something in the classroom in front of my kids. Nearly every classroom I have subbed in offers a snack time for students. In my own classroom I might offer two!

Why? Because Kids need snacks! When healthy snack choices are made, they provide the nutrients and calories kids need for growth, good health and energy to get through the day. Studies show that when children's nutritional needs are met, it's easier for them to focus and learn. Well-nourished children have higher test scores, better school attendance and fewer classroom behavior problems.

Studies show that kids today snack more often and eat more of their snacks at school — both inside and outside of the classroom. Therefore, teachers can play a key role in helping children establish healthy snacking habits.

Teachers can take an active role in educating students and parents about snacks sent from home by communicating the expectations for nutritious choices. Try these strategies for getting kids onboard for eating nutritious snacks and to take responsibility for making their own healthy choices:

• Talk about nutritious snacks often.
• Share examples of nutritious snacks that YOU like. Better yet, join your students and let them see you eating a nutritious snack during snack time. Teachers are important role models for kids and what you do can send a powerful message.
• Encourage children to share what they learn about nutritious snacks at home.
• Ask students to demonstrate what they learn about nutritious snacks in the classroom by bringing in nutritious snacks from home.
• Take a Snack Survey. Classify the snacks that student bring for snack time according to the Five Food Groups and "Others" category. Create a graph and talk about the results.
• Brainstorm a list of foods in each food group. Invite students to create nutritious snack combinations.
• Feature a "Nutritious Snack of the Week" on a bulletin board for children to try at home.
• Have students keep Snack Journals.

Happy snacking!