The Learning Connecion: School-Age, K-12 Nutrition + Activity =

A Better Student

Our P urposeTo tell you this story:

Quality nutrition fuels the brain.

Physical activity adds to brain power.

Breaks from class work boost memory.

And it can make all the difference in school and in life.

Family

Thinking Learning Memory

Genes Home Habits

Along with Family,What Else Buildsa Child’s Brain?

Cerebrum

Hypothalamus

Pituitary Gland

The Middle BrainDevelops First & Fast

The middle brainis where we react to stress.

Emotional Outbursts FearAnxietyImpulsive Actions Stress

Ventricles

Brain Stem

Cerebellum

The Front Brain Develops Slower

Plans Ahead Thinks First Multi-tasks Logical Organized Careful

Sight

Touch

Movement

Hearing

Intelligence and Personality

Brainstem

The front brain is where we learn to

control stress.

Family

Caring&

Sharing

The Community

Quality FoodA Chance to Play

An Enriched World

There are Simple Things We Can Do

To help a child become a good learner.

Thinking Learning Memory

A Student’s Brain Runs Best with the Best Fuel

Physical activity & free play

Brief breaks between each class

123

High quality foods & drinks

1. Nutrition Drives the Brain

A Good Diet Makes More...

brain cells

glucose & oxygen

blood flowcommunication

connect ions rapid repairs

But...

U.S. Children & Teens have a Low Quality Diet

High in calories, Low in nutrients

And...

1 in 5 U.S. Children & Teens are hungry on school days.

Food Provides Fuel

Hungry ChildThe Mid-Brain

is focused on foodGrouchy Restless Anxious

After EatingThe Front Brain

is in working mo d eCalm

Organized Thoughtful

Alert

B reakfast is the most C riticalThe Brain Thrives on Good Food

Better attention

Better behaved

Better attendance

Better health

The Learning Connection:

Front Brain in control Stronger memory More healthy

Higher math scores

Higher graduation rates

And yet...Only 1/3 of high-risk kids

get breakfast.

The 1,2,3 of Grab ‘n GoBreakfast

123

A quality breakfastTogether with friends

And a teacher’s help

Physical Activity, Free Play & Recess Boost

Learning

2

Exercise lights up the front brain...

PPC

EEF SEF PFC

...and fitness makes the memory center

grow .

3. Brief Breaks Between Each Class Helps Remember

Ne w Information

Because You Can’t Cram Working Memory

Brief breaks allow time for the memory center to encode new information In the brain.

R ecessaway from class is where w e learn

critical life skills…

to adjust to others to communicate to cooperateto shareto work together

And Y et... Children & Teens who are at the highest risk get the fewest

breaks in the school day.

And Y et... Children who eat nutritious food and have lots of opportunity to play and be active are healthier, they have fewer childhood il lnesses and long term risk for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea.

In School

Breaks Between Classes

Physical Activity & Free

Play

Breakfast Every Day

Simple Things We Do

Make a better student

Thinking Learning Memory

It’ s Never T oo L ateGo Back to School

Tell the Story