TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS TO HELP KIDS THRIVE
Healthy Habits Take Root When Kids Are Immersed in a Culture Of Wellness
We know that empowering kids with wellness education is only part of the solution—we create school wellness zones by working with schools that are committed to making healthy changes that will help their students thrive.
Sustainable change occurs when it’s integrated into daily routines. Our School Wellness Zone campaign carries learning from the classroom to the cafeteria, engaging students and faculty through colorful posters promoting whole foods and water, taste tests and sampling of new healthy dishes in the cafeteria, "brain breaks" to exercise the mind and body, and an emphasis on incorporating more movement into the day.
A school wellness zone consists of the four pillars of wellness:
We want kids to strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables each day! We work with food service providers to feature healthy, whole food options in their cafeterias and encourage students to try them as well as to include whole foods in their snacks and lunches from home. Whole foods are loaded with the vitamins and nutrients a growing body needs.
And kids require even more exercise than adults. While activity needs vary by age, gender and other factors, 12,000 steps is an ideal daily average for children. We will be offering brain breaks and movement opportunities to students throughout the day. Here are just a few reasons why movement matters so much:
The average child needs five to eight cups of water per day, and we encourage students to strive for at least five. To support this, we will be providing each student with a water bottle to keep on their desk so they can hydrate throughout the day. Water is essential for the body to carry out many functions and helps in a variety of ways, including:
We provide educators with several mindfulness techniques they can use to help their students to stay calm and focused. Classroom teachers are encouraged to use Mindful Moments during the school day. Studies show that children who practice mindfulness:
WKids Newsletters These monthly newsletters provide practical health tips for busy families. In addition to easy-to-digest information and news about upcoming events, every issue contains a fun family health challenge, links to helpful resources, and delicious recipes.