Healthy Kids, Smart Kids Chapter 3

Review of Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler's book "Healthy Kids, Smart Kids"
Chapter 3 - Learning by Doing, A Curriculum for Teaching Nutrition to Kids and Adults

Dr. Butler is principal of Browns Mill Elementary School in Atlanta.  She says that her school became an "exciting laboratory to help us understand and help our children." Some classroom activities were to issue everyone in the fourth grade a pedometer.  They did a study on BMI and kept a journal charting their daily activity.

Dr. Butler says, "I believe this program works because it takes a positive focus. It also requires a will and a genuine commitment to change."  She noticed a boost in the way the children felt about themselves.  She often reminded students of her desire to make her students the brightest and smartest kids who can do anything. 

She made up age appropriate contracts for the kids to sign that asked the kids and parents to commit to the following:  1.  To eat a healthy breakfast so I can be productive in school.
2.  Drink 5-8 glasses of water a day so my body is healthy.
3.  Eat 9 vegetable and fruits her day to make me healthy and strong.
4.  Exercise each day for at least 45 minutes so I have a healthy heart.
5.  Go to bed early each night so I have a healthy body and mind the next day in school.
6.  Avoid foods that have too much sugar, salt, and fat.

The results. 
During the second semester of implementing the program, she started to collect data about the students.  She noted a decrease by 30% of students who visited the nurse during the first hour of the school day. She also noted a 28% drop in teacher referrals for disciplinary concerns and a 23% decrease in the number of students referred for counseling. 

She says the long-term results of this campaign for healthier eating continue to exceed her expectations.