Hungry children can’t learn. The demands of the classroom become
burdensome for the child who is hungry. Children require essential
nutrients and energy in order to concentrate in class and achieve in daily
learning tasks. Children who are hungry suffer from headaches, fatigue,
sleepiness, restlessness and other symptoms. Breakfast provides nutrition
and energy that helps a child start the day right. It is the most
important meal of the day.
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This chart shows the development of the brain from birth to age 20.
Ninety percent of the development of the brain is complete by age six.
Only small increments are added after that time. |
The window of opportunity
to improve or correct previous deficits is reflected in our Pre-K – third-grade population. Anecdotal observations and data collected by the
Muscogee County School District Student Service Department indicate that
after grade three, test results suffer, behavior problems surface, and by the
end of middle school, dropout rates escalate.
It is essential that children receive the best nourishment for development, especially during the early school years. Since breakfast provides much of
the needed nutrition for healthy growth and development, it is important
that parents make sure each child’s school day begins with a healthy
breakfast.
Busy parents may find that school breakfast is the best option to
providing their children with a balanced meal. Breakfast is available at
school to all students. School breakfast is economical as compared to home
or commercial choices.
Several pilot studies have been done to evaluate the impact of serving
breakfast to students as part of the school day. Researchers found that
Universal School Breakfast Programs had an effect on improving students
academic performance and other outcomes, like attendance and behavior. In
the study conducted in Baltimore and Philadelphia participation increased,
and after four months, students had
- Significantly greater increases in their math grades
- Improved psycho-social behaviors
- Decreases in absence, tardiness and hyperactivity
Similar studies have been done in Minnesota. In 1994, the Minnesota
Legislature provided funding for six elementary schools to provide
breakfast to all students as part of the school day. After the first year
of the program, research results showed that there was significant
improvement in student achievement. In three out of four reading and math
tests, students improved their scores. In the same three out of four
reading and math tests, a higher percentage of students tested at Level 2
reading and math.
In all studies conducted, student attention improved, behavior problems
decreased and student complaints of hunger decreased. Visits to the school
nurse declined and complaints of tiredness, aches, and pains also
decreased.
As stated in the Minnesota study, “A nutritious breakfast is as critical
as textbooks and computers for students to be ready for each day’s
educational opportunities." Please encourage your children to participate
in both the breakfast and lunch programs provided at their school.
