The question is... can they?
Schools as a whole should provide the opportunity for structured physical activity everyday for its' students. Secondly it can increase the healthiness of the food sold in the school canteen . In fact, fewer than 30% of students felt that food and drinks available in their school canteen are unhealthy (Utter, et al., 2008).
Teachers as role models:
In Utter et al's (2008) research they found that more than 50% of students felt that teachers were good role models. We feel that teachers need to use this position in a positive way, by considering the type of role model they want to be in terms of exhibiting healthy eating habits. We are in a powerful position to influence our children in positive ways and to sow the seeds for making healthy choices in their lives.
Please share your tips for teachers with us!
Here are some good ideas:
ReplyDelete1) Teacher modeling. You mentioned this already but it is worth re mentioning because of the powerful influence this has on our classroom children. I spend my lunchtimes outside, eating with the children. I model the enjoyment of eating healthy food like fruit and raw vegetables.
2) Consider out food tech classes! Why do we bake muffins and biscuits instead of teaching the kids real cooking skills, consider making fruit salad of fruit skewers, which not only looks pretty, but allows for alternatives to sweets and desserts. Through food tech we can often introduce children to healthy alternatives that they are likely to reproduce at home.
3) Teaching cooking on a budget. Often the excuse that is heard is that healthy eating is too expensive. Why don't we educate parents and children about healthy choices on a budget? Healthy foods don't have to be expensive, but one has to be creative to make interesting meals.