The Learning Connecion:
School-Age, K-12
Nutrition + Activity =
A Better Student
Our Purpose
To tell y o u this story:
Quality nutrition fuels the brain.
Physical activity adds to brain power.
Breaks from class work boost memory.
And it can m a k e all t h e
difference in school and in life.
Along with Family,What Else Builds
a Child’s Brain?
Family
Thinking
Learning
Memory
Genes
Home
Habits
The Middle Brain
Develops First & Fast
Cerebrum
Hypothalamus
Ventricles
Pituitary
Gland
Cerebellum
Emotional Outbursts
Fear
Anxiety
Impulsive Actions
Stress
Brain Stem
The middle brain
is where we react to stress.
Movement
Touch
Intelligence a nd
Personality
The Front Brain
Develops Slower
Plans Ahead
Thinks First
Multi-tasks
Logical
Organized
Careful
Sight
Brainstem
Hearing
The front brain
is where we learn to
control stress.
There are Simple Things We Can Do
Quality Food
AChance to Play
An Enriched World
Family
Thinking
Learning
Memory
The
Community
Caring
&
Sharing
To help a child b e c o m e a good learner.
A Student’s Brain Runs Best
with t h e Best Fuel
1
2
3
High quality foods & drinks
Physical activity & free play
Brief breaks between each class
1. Nutrition Drives t h e Brain
A Good Diet Makes More...
brain cells
c o n n ect i o n s
rapid repairs
co mmuni ca ti o n
blood flow
g l ucose &
o x y g en
But...
U.S. Children & Teens
h a v e a Low Quality Diet
High in calories, Low in
nutrients
And...
1 in 5 U.S. Children & Teens are
hungry o n school days.
Food Provides Fuel
Hungry Child
The Mid-Brain
is f o cused o n f o o d
Grouchy
Restless
Anxious
After Eating
The Front Brain
is in working m o d e
Calm
Organized
Thoughtful
Alert
Breakfast is the most Critical
The Brain Thrives on Good Food
The Learning Connection:
Better attention
Front Brain in control
Better be h a v ed
Stronger m e m o r y
Better a tte n d a n c e
More healthy
Better health
Higher m a t h scores
Higher graduation rates
And yet...
Only 1/3 of high-risk kids
g e t breakfast.
The 1,2,3 of Grab ‘n Go
Breakfast
1
2
3
Aquality breakfast
Together with friends
And a teacher’s help
2
Physical Activity, Free
Play & Recess Boost
Learning
EEF
SEF
PPC
Exercise lights up t h e front brain...
...and fitness m a k e s
t h e m e m o r y center
grow .
PFC
3. Brief Breaks B e t w e e n Each
Class Helps Remember
N e w Information
Because You Can’t Cram Working Memory
Brief breaks allow time
for t h e memory center to
e n c o d e n e w information
In t h e brain.
Recess
a wa y from class is wh e re w e learn
critical life skills…
t o adjust t o others
t o communicate
t o cooperate
t o share
t o work together
And Yet...
Children & Teens w h o are a t
t h e highest risk g e t t h e f e w e s t
breaks in t h e school day.
And Yet...
Children w h o e a t nutritious
food and h a v e lots of
opportunity t o play and b e
active are healthier, t h e y h a v e
fewer childhood illnesses and
long term risk for obesity,
heart disease, type 2 diabetes,
a s t h m a, and s l e e p apnea.
Simple Things We Do
Breakfast
Every Day
In School
Thinking
Learning
Memory
Physical
Activity &
Free Play
Breaks
Between
Classes
Make a better s t u d e n t
It’s Never Too Late
Go Back t o School
Tell t h e Story