FEEDING THE BRAIN FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS: HOW NUTRITION AND HYDRATION BOOST LEARNING

It's 8:35. Your chalk is in hand and you're ready to start your day.  You have carefully constructed a learning experience of visual input, hands-on activities, reading and experimentation, to help your students learn.

When you look around your room, do you see bright eyes and positive, expectant expressions, or do you see squirming, sleeping, or distracted students. What happens to your classroom mid-morning? Mid- afternoon? Do you have students who are stressed, depressed and anxious? According to experts, the internal environment of the brain is an integral part of learning, just as important as the classroom environment. You may find in some cases your students are not able to learn due to poor nutrition or inadequate hydration.

Within your student's brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience. Making connections, finding meaning, and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain.  Formation of memory requires physical growth and reshaping of networks of brain cells.  So that wonderful experience - when the lights go on and your student say, "I get it!" - is a neuro-chemical process as well as an academic one. By nourishing the brain with healthy food and water, you will optimize the internal environment, enabling students to truly engage in the classroom environment and achieve their potential.

Nutrition and hydration are part of a foundation for healthy learning.  Helping students make healthier choices is an essential part of their education and well-being. 

What can educators do to help create an optimal internal environment?   

• Have students keep a water bottle at their desk or take water breaks throughout the day

• Encourage students to bring only healthy treats - such as whole fruit, whole grain crackers, or veggies and dip, for birthday celebrations.

• Teach children how to choose the healthiest foods from the menu that is available.

• Be aware of your school's Wellness Policy and contribute or obtain support for change in your classroom/school.

•  Incorporate nutrition education into many areas of your curriculum.

By incorporating healthy food and water in the classroom experience, your students will be more attentive, and able to enjoy learning.