Staff Presentation Topic: A healthy lifestyle and good life skills are becoming increasingly important for Australian children. Question: In what ways can positive change be initiated to the exercise, diet and lifestyle habits of our young students? Presented by Emma Bent EDE 101 Bachelor of Education (Primary) 1 st February, 2012

Health Understanding at our school: W.P.S Last documented survey concluded that in % of Australian children were overweight or obese, indicating a 40, 000 child increase in overweight children each year (Sanigorski, 1997). This means there are 680,000 more overweight or obese children today than there was in 1995!!! Girls are more at risk at being over weight....Do we stereotype? Interesting fact: W.P.S is a high SES area indicating lower rates of overweight or obese children but a higher instance of poor body image and anorexia or bulimia. What can we do as teachers to change this for our children? We want healthy, happy children to lead the way into the future!

Why do our students need to be healthy? There future and life long wellbeing depends on it! Healthy student learn better at school as physical fitness is associated with the academic performance of young people Interesting fact: a team in America has used scans to show that an important part of the brain actually grows in children who are fit. These youngsters tend to be more intelligent and have better memories than those who are inactive. What is health? “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO). Lets take a holistic approach to teaching health, not just a focus on the physical side of things but also emotional and social health, spiritual health and cognitive health (brain function). Due to our high SES area, our students will mainly all have access to shelter, food, money, healthy environments and companionship. We need to positively encourage smart choices. Areas of education focus will also need to include: drugs, alcohol, road safety, sun safety, stranger danger.

We must educate our students’ to make positive choices. Diet A focus on food intake, food patterns, the experience of food and an enjoyment of eating is likely to develop long lasting positive attitudes towards healthy eating (Tapper, Horne and Lowe 2003). Exercise Stronger muscle and bone Less likely to be overweight Better outlook on life Sleep better Can better handle emotional and physical challenges Lifestyle Choices It's important to teach healthy behaviours in childhood, because altering one's health habits becomes more difficult as people age. As teachers, we can influence positive change in our students decisions towards their diet, exercise and lifestyle choices through properly utilising our power to educate – education is the key!

Lifestyle Education Explain Healthy Behaviour: such as germs cause illness, food gives energy to play, this can be taught through books, play and while teaching new skills. Use visuals: For younger primary students signs can be used to prompt children to wash hands, throw away tissues, get an umbrella. Variety for health related activities: conversations, books, art activities, games, literacy projects, games and posters provide a multi faceted approach to health Make health fun: cooking, designing menus, making food charts, learn new games, play different games, use activities as a reward, teach songs or rhymes to other children. By making health fun and interesting children will be motivated! Positive reinforcement: verbal reinforcements such as; I like how you threw your rubbish in the bin. Or use healthy kids rewards if children explore and try new foods or activities. Prepare children for new experiences: dentists, doctors, hair dressers, can all be scary new experiences. Role play can be used to ease children into new experiences.

Teacher as role model: Are you a health smart teacher? Newsletters Parent information events Send home children made information booklets regarding dietary requirements, healthy choices, games and exercise the whole family can enjoy Aim to help parents so they can help their children apply what they are learning about at school Spread the word to parents Show confidence in who you are Be positive, enthusiastic and nice Encourage healthy, active behaviour Model healthy behaviour Explore food and diet Provide opportunities for children to see skills performed. For example, “I am going to make some sandwiches. I must remember to wash my hands before I touch the food so I do not pass germs to other people!