Food

Teachers provide opportunities for children to eat healthy snacks during each block throughout the learning day.

At a regular time midway through a learning block teachers signal times for those learners who wish to have a healthy brain snack.

Healthy brain snacks could include fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, chopped fresh vegetables or unsalted popcorn, a boiled egg, or other protein sources.

We are discouraging dried fruit, muesli bars or ‘roll-ups’ in-class time as these foods tend to stick to teeth for extended periods of time which can lead to tooth decay.

The following is an extract from “Learning To Learn – Strategies for Accelerating Learning and Boosting Performance” by Christine Ward and Jan Daley:

“FOOD FOR THE BRAIN"

Memory and learning involve electrochemical processes; thus there are definite links between effective learning and good nutrition. The tips below use some old truths and some new research about ways to ensure our brains are well-fed for successful study.

Keep energy levels high

Brains need constant energy… It is vital to keep blood sugar levels up during study times to maintain concentration. Helpful blood sugar comes from the digestion of complex carbohydrates and proteins which release energy over several hours. Eating sugary food provides instant but temporary energy.

Top up energy by brain food grazing

Nibbling pieces of fruit, vegetables, whole-grain snacks, nuts and seeds every hour or two, keeps blood sugar levels high to energise brains for thinking and learning. It is also essential to drink plenty of water…

Eat raw food often

Snacking on raw fruit and vegetables is an easy way to keep the body/brain going well… Raw foods of any sort increase the rate at which the brain cells use oxygen, so that thinking and learning is easier and better. Seeds and nuts eaten raw or sprouted have valuable nutrients in the seed embryo which are good for brain function.”

Why does GLS value brainfood breaks?

Nutrition is important for learning. It assists the brain to absorb and retain information at school.

Include these brain snacks and they will provide brain-boosting benefits.

What food is a good choice for school brainfood breaks? 

Choose small portions that can easily be opened and eaten by your child are best. Think portable and accessible.

Recyclable containers are best. We encourage you to limit plastic wrap and do your part for a better footprint on earth.

Choose from similar food group options as follows

• Fresh peeled & sliced fruit and vegetables

• Dried fruit (eg apricots, prunes, raisins and sultanas)

• Shelled unsalted nuts or seeds (Save peanuts for home)

• Hummus and vegetables or crackers

• Plain unsalted popcorn

• Boiled Eggs

• Nut butters on wholegrain crackers

• Avocado on crackers

• Animal Protein; sliced beef or chicken

• Non-animal proteins: Tofu, bean or pea protein products

• Blueberries

Grey Lynn School promotes healthy eating.

Chewing gum, sweets and fizzy drinks should not be brought to school.

A balanced diet is the key to children's learning and development.

Some children have major allergies to certain foods so we discourage children from sharing lunches. On occasions, the class may hold a shared lunch as a special event.

As we are an Enviroschool and also to give you an idea of the foods your child is (or isn't!) eating, we ask children to take their food wrappers and uneaten food home in their lunchbox.