Snack Tips

Snack Tips

Snacks are good for students because they help them stay focused at school, provides them needed nutrients, and keeps hunger grumbles away. When timed correctly, snacks can help kids get the energy and nutrients they need.

Here are some helpful tips for you to think about as you are planning school snacks.

·      Think about individual portions – Serving snack in single servings is very convenient and often quick and easy. 

·      Get your child to help – Provide your child a few choices that you approve of, and if possible, have them help get it ready for school.

·      Avoid super messy foods- Prevents damage of work and supplies such as books and papers.

·      Be prepared - Pack your snacks the night before.

·      Ask about classroom allergies– Check with the teacher for classroom allergies to help with preparation.

Helpful websites:

·      https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

·      https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/tips-for-healthy-eating/school/

·      https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/cook-more-often/involve-others-in-planning-and-preparing-meals/involving-kids-in-planning-and-preparing-meals/

·      https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guide/tips-healthy-eating/meal-planning-cooking-healthy-choices/recipes.html#Snacks

Importance of Fitness

Importance of Fitness

Kids need physical activity to build strength, coordination, and confidence — and to lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle. Through physical activities, kids learn about sportsmanship, setting goals, meeting challenges, teamwork, and the value of practice.

When deciding on a fitness routine or activity keep in mind the child's age, developmental level, natural abilities, and interests.

·      Kids 6 to 8 years old are sharpening basic physical skills like jumping, throwing, kicking, and catching

·      Kids 9 to 12 years old are refining, improving, and coordinating skills. 

·      Physical activity guidelines for school-age kids recommend that they get 1 hour or more of moderate to strong physical activity daily

Being physically fit doesn’t necessarily require a rigorous schedule of workout. The following health benefits have been linked to being physically fit:

·      Strong bone, muscle and joint development

·      Stress reduction

·      Increased energy levels and confidence

·      Prevention of Chronic diseases

·      Weight Control

Fitness Ideas in Calgary

·      Crowfoot YMCA- https://www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/crowfoot/

·      InjaNation- https://www.injanation.com/

·      Parkour- https://www.breathepk.com/

·      YMCA Rocky Ridge- https://www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/shane-homes-ymca-at-rocky-ridge/

·      Vivo- https://www.vivo.ca/

·      Nose Hill- https://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/NW-parks/Nose-Hill-Park.aspx

Fitness Ideas for Home

Here are some at home ideas to help make physical activity part of the daily routine.

·      Play (tag, riding bikes around the neighbourhood, and building snowmen)

·      Household chores (Sweeping, vacuuming, shoveling snow)

·      Games and sports equipment. (balls, hula-hoops, and jump ropes can keep kids busy for hours)

·      Local playgrounds and athletic fields or after dinner walks