Talking to Teachers

Here are some ideas to help you get the conversation started with your child’s school, after-school, daycare or summer camp teachers and administrators:
  • Talk to teachers and leaders about what they are doing specifically to help kids live stronger and longer.
  • Ask if they are participating in GetUp and what Star level they have achieved.
  • Ask how nutrition education and smart food choices are currently being taught.
  • Find out what plans are in place to improve the daily curriculum to include nutrition education across various subjects.
  • Find out how many servings of fruits and vegetables your child regularly gets at school.
  • Ask what kinds of snacks are being served after school.
  • Discover if there are any plans to change the vending machine offerings, such as removing soda and sport drinks.
  • Ask if your school has a wellness policy or a wellness committee. Volunteer to serve on the committee or attend a meeting.
  • Discover how much time out of the school day or after school session is spent on active play and what types of healthy activities are involved. Remember, active play means all individuals are increasing their heart rates during the activity, not just the few who are truly engaged.
  • You may be surprised to learn that many children no longer have recess, or recess is spent standing around with limited activity. Find out what is happening at your school.
  • Offer pencils, trinkets and other small prizes to your child’s teacher to use as classroom rewards instead of candy. Encourage the same idea for birthday parties, or bring fruit cut up in fun shapes and toothpicks for easy handling.
  • Recognize that teachers and schools want to do the right thing – just like you do – but it is often a struggle for balance with budget and other constraints. Find out what can be done creatively and at low or no cost. One great example is “Recess before Lunch.”
  • Encourage your school to take small steps to improve … and volunteer to help!