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Mrs. Heitman’s Classroom Edit display name

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Providing my students with healthy snacks will make a huge impact on their learning. I know this to be true because I have spent countless hours researching and working with various therapists to help my two adoptive children. Two years ago, my husband and I adopted our two foster children who were severely abused and neglected. The trauma they endured has required us to learn a lot about brain development and the importance of a loving environment, as well as proper nutrition. Until I became a mommy, I had no idea nutrition played such a key role in a child’s all-around development. Janet Renee, MS, RD, a medical dietitian said, "Children need a steady supply of nutrients to fuel their bodies and brains so that they grow and develop properly.” Once I began learning these facts about nutrition and development, I started bringing snacks into the classroom on a weekly basis for my students to eat throughout the day. My policy is, my students can visit the snack closet whenever they feel hungry. No child should ever have to sit through an entire day with an empty belly. Having healthy snacks throughout the school day, will allow my students to do their absolute best because they will be fueling their brains and bodies. A mini refrigerator will allow us to have fresh fruit and yogurt readily available in our classroom. A study published in the journal Medicine in 2016 found that children perform better in school when they are provided with healthy snacks like fruit. My job is so much more than just being a teacher. I want my students to have their needs met at all levels. They may not have the nutrition they so desperately need at home, but at least I know they are getting at school.

About my class

Providing my students with healthy snacks will make a huge impact on their learning. I know this to be true because I have spent countless hours researching and working with various therapists to help my two adoptive children. Two years ago, my husband and I adopted our two foster children who were severely abused and neglected. The trauma they endured has required us to learn a lot about brain development and the importance of a loving environment, as well as proper nutrition. Until I became a mommy, I had no idea nutrition played such a key role in a child’s all-around development. Janet Renee, MS, RD, a medical dietitian said, "Children need a steady supply of nutrients to fuel their bodies and brains so that they grow and develop properly.” Once I began learning these facts about nutrition and development, I started bringing snacks into the classroom on a weekly basis for my students to eat throughout the day. My policy is, my students can visit the snack closet whenever they feel hungry. No child should ever have to sit through an entire day with an empty belly. Having healthy snacks throughout the school day, will allow my students to do their absolute best because they will be fueling their brains and bodies. A mini refrigerator will allow us to have fresh fruit and yogurt readily available in our classroom. A study published in the journal Medicine in 2016 found that children perform better in school when they are provided with healthy snacks like fruit. My job is so much more than just being a teacher. I want my students to have their needs met at all levels. They may not have the nutrition they so desperately need at home, but at least I know they are getting at school.

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