Young Minds
I'm realizing more and more how impressionable children really are.
TRUE STORY :)
As a teacher I have different systems set up to keep my students in check. One thing I do is "earning letters." The students pick something out they want to work towards, for example free computer time, extra recess, etc. They earn letters by getting compliments out side the classroom, or if I'm out the sub leaving a good note, or if they all bring back a paper signed by the due date; things like that. Well last week they earned all their letters and we celebrated, it was a donut party. That's is what they voted for and I feel if it is something they want they will work harder towards it. Anyways we had the donut party on Friday (2/15). Here is the funny part. Right before our party we had a dentist in the classroom talking about how to take care of your teeth and whats good and bad for them. After she left it was time for the little party and I went to pass out the donuts and I had several students say they didn't want theirs. All day they were talking about their donuts, again they picked this award. So I was a little surprised they passed on it. Well since we had earned all the letters it was time to vote for something new......... my 7 and 8 yr olds, without any pushing decided they wanted to works towards a fruit party. We will have oranges, apples, grapes, and strawberries.
When I look at all the obese children out their it really is mind blowing. Children are so impressionable. One dentist who mentions fruits and vegatables has my whole classroom excited about a fruit party. So if one teacher, one parent, someone were just to set the right examples, what a difference that would make.
This really struck home last night watching the Biggest Loser. Seeing them go home for a week and what their home life was like. Watching their children and their eating habits it was sad, and you could tell it hit the parent that had been gone. Seeing the kid with a donut or the portions when they ate out really opened their eyes.... and mine!!