Hungry? Food for thought, literally!

Spring has officially come and being on spring break has already got me thinking about summer. With summer coming, it provided inspiration to be mindful about health and nutrition. Now maybe some already have resolutions to get healthier and move more. This includes me! However, one issue that I have been recently discussing with my best girlfriend was the state of children's diets and how it affects them in school. I have been pondering this topic for a long time and finally decided to write on it. I have been teaching for 12+ years and I have seen first hand how a child's diet can impact their learning potential.
It is no joke as many of us are working parents and don't have the time some days to use the bathroom let alone pack a healthy lunch for our children. The truth of the matter is that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to be involved and available to learn. Having pop tarts in the backseat may be an easy option for kids but the nutritional value of a pop tart leaves a whole lot to be desired. The amount of sugar will spike the energy level, but the child will crash hard and that may even be before 8am and they still have 3.5 hours until lunch.
Attention deficit disorder is one of the mot common things I hear as a school teacher. What many adults  may not know is that a child's diet can impact and contribute to the disorder wreaking havoc within a child. I am not a doctor and what I write here is based on my experience as an educator, not with medical research. Kids who drink water, low-sugar, natural drinks and have a diet that is rich in whole-grains, fruit, and vegetables tend to be more alert and engaged in school. Children who eat processed foods that are high in sugar and fat tend to be more lethargic in class and less engaged.
Are you an informed consumer? I ask this question out of a place of caring and well-being. I try not to judge others and everyone has their own individual story to tell. Over the years, I have had hundreds of children pass through my classroom door and I can tell the children who eat a well-balanced diet from those who don't. I can tell by the child's behavior, attention, and overall engagement in class. I can tell by their body size and activity level. That is even before the child open's up and contributes in class. Now, I don't boast ever about being perfect and I work 12-14 hours a day, commute 45 minutes each way to work and run in the rat race like other busy mom's and dad's. My house is not the best furnished or the largest, but it might be the best stocked in whole grains, fruits, and vegetable. Now don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of chocolate, jelly beans, and ice cream, but the treats are rationed and we take each day as it comes, one day at a time.
When I asked the question, are you an informed consumer, I want to know, do you take time to make a grocery list? Are you looking at labels and making sure you can actually read and pronounce the words that make up the food you are eating? Are the first few ingredients corn syrup, high fructose, sugar, or enriched white four? If so, you might consider putting it back on the shelf and opting for the organic brand. My best girlfriend once said to me, "Randee, it's ok to have Mac and Cheese, just buy the organic kind!" Now, you might be saying to yourself, "organic, shmorganic! It's all hype and it is way too expensive!" Well, yes you might be paying more for organic but here is my rule that I try to live by. It the produce is grown in it's own skin and I don't eat the skin, then I buy non-organic and use a veggie wash. If I eat the skin (strawberries, blackberries, etc) then I buy organic. When I can't get organic, I make sure to use a veggie wash. Also, grocery chains are getting back into the game and realizing that consumers are wanting and expecting more. Food grocery chain Aldi, has even started to come out with a few items that are organic and more healthful. Almond and Soy Milk, Organic cereal, and a couple organic pastas have made their way to the shelves at my local stores. Trader Joes is another fantastic chain that has global foods at great prices. If you are in the Chicagoland area, Mariano's is another fantastic store. Fresh produce, meats, deli, and a fantastic bakery to boot! Their prices are very reasonable and you can't beat the quality.
Now, you might be thinking that this educator has gone off the deep end here, what does this blog post have to do with education? Well, I believe that health and nutrition absolutely effects the state of education. As adults we know that if we don't eat well or sleep 7-9 hours a night, our work performance suffers. We are tired, irritable, and often times tend to reach for the comfort food to help us get through the work day. Kids are the same way! They are tired, listless, and cranky when they don't get the proper nutrition. Their brains don't function as well and they are not available to learn! I see the lunches that are packed and it amazes me the processed, high carb, high fat lunches that are sent in. This doesn't include the corn syrup-laden juices and energy-boost drinks that are packed everyday!
When students come back from lunch, they are at a high. They have had 40 minutes to laugh, engage in conversation, and refuel their bodies. Shortly after lunch, the food coma tends to kick in and students can start to be sluggish and tired. Kids who have had proper nutrition are more likely to stay engaged in the classroom versus my student friends who have had processed foods rich in orange cheese powder and patties of beef that are warmed in baggies.
One of my good friends who shares in the same belief of wholesome, nutritious foods, inspired me recently to have a family creed. I saw a very smart family poster in her home and it inspired me to come up with with a few simple rules to live by in my home:
The Educator Beat Family Creed
5. Be Respectful of everyone
4. Follow directions that adults give
3. Hugs and kisses are always welcomed
2. Be open and honest with each other
1. Make healthy choices daily (food, sleep, and behavior)

Wrapping  up this week's blog post, I am challenging my readers to share what they are doing to help their families live a healthier lifestyle? I would love to hear from you. Are you eating dinner together, turning off the TV at meal times, walking more, cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer, turning off the video games? As always, be kind to yourself, your family, and your students.
Keep in touch and until next time, be well!
~RK

After I published this, I came upon this article and thought I would pass along. Making informed choices are key!
Truthout.org: The Truth about Wal-Mart

RIFTED! It's that time of year again!

Spring is in the air and instead of winter going out like a lion, it is here to stay! This week has been a crazy week and trying to stay sane in an understatement. The topic of this week's blog has to do with the dreaded RIF (Reduction in force) notices that are starting to litter the mailboxes of staff. Every year, school districts have to take a look at their numbers of staff and figure out who is going to make the cut and who isn't. It is a stressful time for many new teachers who are at the bottom of the chain. Not only is it stressful for new teachers, it is stressful for administrators. It is not the type of news that is easily delivered especially when it comes to telling someone that their services are no longer needed for the following school year.

So what do you do when you get that notice that you have been rifted? Well, if you have been a reader of The Educator Beat, you should already have your copy of Competency Based Resumes ready to go and your updated resume should already be completed. However, if you are new to this site, you may want to check out the book Competency Based Resumes and start revamping your resume. The Next step would be to visit my blog archive and scroll down to my blog post, Graduation, Now what!  That will outline some very helpful information about how to handle the interview process again. Now, I have had some questions about letters of recommendation or what can supervisors say about you to a future employer. The truth of the matter is that if you don't expect the person to speak highly of you, don't put them down as a reference. A letter of recommendation is like your passport. You want it to gently roll through the pages and showcase your experience in a positive light. Future employers want to hear from your supervisors and colleagues, but don't forget to include a parent letter, if you have one. Always make sure you have at least three very qualified references that can speak to your work ethic, personal qualifications, and your personality. After all, this is about putting your best foot forward!

Just because you were rifted doesn't mean it is the end of the world. It is very common unfortunately. Most of us in the field have been through it ourselves. The key thing to remember is that if you did a fantastic job in your current position, you will have no worries when landing your new position. If your work was somewhat questionable, than you may have something to worry about.

So remember to keep your chin up, keep talking to others, and networking. It will happen and before you know it, you will be getting ready for the first days of school come August!