Throughout the day when I am in the office people pop in to discuss children and their learning and to talk about new ideas that they have or will try. When a teacher comes into my office with a big smile and tells me how she found a just right song that helps children learn the letters in a fun way and that she has seen them transferring this knowledge to the daily schedule I see a teacher experimenting and researching new ideas and experiencing joy from the results of her work. As teachers send me their Monthly Newsletters I see documentation of student learning in words and in pictures and the extensive efforts that have gone into making them and the pride in sharing them. Another teacher pops in and tells me about how her students took the initiative to choose, research and complete projects on the systems of the body – independent learning. I then see the teacher with the student using their work to teach the other children about the systems of the body. An SR teacher comes in excited about experimenting with project based learning and we talk about how this building project could unfold and about the excitement of the children and as I can see the teacher. Another teacher dialogues about how in Arabic she paired students to work in pairs independently to help each other study for a spelling test using the whiteboard.
This is just a sampling of the many learners who are teachers who are using their creativity to make the learning journey meaningful for the students in their care.
Nurse Celine has sent in some very worthwhile suggestions for variations on the sandwich. I hope you enjoy her suggestions and that the students do as well.
A sandwich might be the quintessential lunchtime food. A healthy sandwich incorporates three or more of the food groups in an easy-to-eat package. When you are making a sandwich for your child, you need to make sure to choose the healthiest ingredients. Some of your old stand-bys may not be as healthy as you think. For example, many jams and jellies are little more than extra sugar, but an all fruit version is a healthy choice. Make healthy sandwiches that your children will love.
Step 1:
Choose whole grain bread as your base. Whole grain breads have some fiber and are healthier all around. Cut the sandwich into a fun shape if possible.
Step 2:
Select your child’s favorite protein source. Though there is some protein in whole grain bread, you’d like your child to get a bit more. You can find protein in peanut butter sandwich, meat, cheese, hummus, cream cheese,
Step 3:
Add fruits and vegetable. A sandwich can be a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition. Your child might enjoy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers or green pepper in a sandwich. Try cutting some carrot sticks or putting in a handful of cherry tomatoes. Fruity sandwich choices include sliced bananas, strawberries, apple or kiwi.
Step 4:
Children have small stomachs but big energy requirements, so they do actually need to snack between meals. Why not try some of these simple swaps, and you’ll be cutting down on sugar, salt and fat, upping the nutrient levels instead:
- Rice cracker, popcorn or nuts instead of potato chips or crackers.
- Dark chocolate or dried food such as mango and banana instead of candies or sweets.
- Water, milk or fresh juice such as orange or cranberry instead of soft or sweet drinks.
- Low-fat yogurt or cereal bar instead of a chocolate bar.
- Oatmeal cookies instead of high- fat varieties from the store.
Sincerely,
Adele Hutchison
Early Years and Elementary Principal
