To combat the epidemic of childhood obesity and inactivity a multi-channel approach is necessary; in addition to health lessons and physical education, there are simple ways to get across the message of health.
In 1960 James Baldwin, the American essayist, playwright and novelist, commented:
Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.
As teachers we can model a healthier lifestyle. The SFUSD Wellness Policy encourages school staff to create classroom and school environments which promote health and wellness and to make personal changes in their own health. And, classroom teachers are making small, but powerful changes:
- One kindergarten teacher starts the morning by counting out the fruits and vegetables she will be eating throughout the day and keeps them on her desk.
- A fifth grade teacher organizes a Salad Friday, where teachers at her school site bring in one ingredient to share in a delicious staff salad for lunch.
- A third grade teacher purchases the school lunch once a week and sits down with his students to promote and model conversation while encouraging students to eat the fruits and vegetables in the school lunch.
El Dorado Principal, Mr. Schoeman,
models healthy eating habits. |
How effective a role model are you for the students and colleagues at your school? Click here for an easy checklist for Being a Health Role Model for Colleagues & Students (pdf).
- Complete the check list, answering yes or no to each of the items.
- Identify three priority action items, changes that you are willing to make throughout your school day to model a healthier lifestyle for your students and colleagues.
- Share the list with a colleague or at a staff meeting.
Continue to give your students the education they need to make healthier decisions for eating and physical activity, and make health a priority in your classroom and school community by becoming a role model for students, parents and colleagues!
Back
to In Action Stories |
