WISSAHICKON SCHOOL DISTRICT -- NURSING DEPARTMENT

Nutrition and Wellness

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Alternatives to Food Rewards

Research clearly demonstrates that healthy kids learn better. To provide the best possible learning environment for children, schools must provide an environment that supports healthy behaviors. Students need to receive consistent, reliable health information and ample opportunity to use it. Finding alternatives to food rewards is an important part of providing a healthy school environment.

Grades K-5
Category	Examples / Ideas
Recognition	Trophy, plaque, or certificate Ribbon Stickers Acknowledge child’s achievement during school wide announcements or school’s website	A phone call, e-mail, or letter sent to parents commending a child’s accomplishment A recognition note to the student from the teacher
Individual Rewards	Verbal praise (including in front of others) Nods, smiles, pat on the shoulder Going first Choosing a class activity Helping the teacher Having a extra few minutes of recess with a friend Sitting by friends or in a special seat next to or at the teacher’s desk Playing an educational computer or other game Play a favorite game or do puzzles Reading to a younger class Read outdoors Making deliveries to the office Reading the school-wide morning announcements Helping in another classroom	Eating lunch with teacher or principal Private lunch in classroom with a friend Listening with a headset to a book on tape or CD Going to the library to select a book to read Working at the school store Taking a walk with the principal or teacher Designing a class or hall bulletin board Writing or drawing on the blackboard/whiteboard Taking care of the class animal for a day Allowing a child to choose an extra recess activity for the class on his/her birthday Items that can only be used on special occasions (special art supplies, computer games, toys) Bank system (earn play money used for privileges) Trip to “Treasure Box” with non-food items (stickers, tattoos, pencils, erasers, bookmarks, desktop tents)
Class Rewards	Extra recess Eating lunch outdoors Have lunch or breakfast in the classroom Going to the lunchroom first Reading outdoors Extra art, music, physical education, or reading time Listening to music while working Listen with headset to a book on audiotape Fun physical activity break Dancing to favorite music in the classroom	Playing a game or doing a puzzle together “Free choice” time at the end of the day A song, dance, or performance by the teacher or students Teacher performs special skill (singing, cartwheel, guitar playing, etc.) Teacher or volunteer reads special book to class Bank system: (earn play money used for privileges) Show-and-tell Fun video
School Supplies	Pencils: colored, with logos, or other decorations Pens / highlighters Erasers Notepads/notebooks Boxes of crayons Stencils Stamps Plastic scissors Bookmarks	Chalk (e.g., sidewalk chalk) Markers Coloring books Rulers Glitter Pencil sharpeners, grips, or boxes Gift certificate to the school store Receive a “mystery pack” (notepad, folder, sports cards, etc.) Paperback book
Low-cost Alternatives	Key chains Flashlights Cups Magnets Yo-yos	Backscratchers A plant or seeds and pot for growing a plant Books Earn tokens over a longer period of time to redeem for a “bigger” reward

Alternatives to Food Rewards – Secondary Level

Grades 6-8
Sit with friends Listen to music while working at desk Five minute chat break at end of class Reduced homework or “no homework” pass	Extra credit Fun video Fun brainteaser activities Computer time Assemblies Field trips	Sit with friends Listen to music while working at desk Five Teaching the class Eat lunch outside or have class outside
Grades 9-12
Extra credit Reduced homework Donated coupons to video stores, music stores or movies	Drawings for donated prizes among students who meet certain grades standards Extra credit Fun video	Teaching the class Reduced homework Donated coupons to video stores

http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/student/NutritionEd/Food_As_Reward_HO1.pdf

Student Wellness

The Wissahickon School District adopted a Student Wellness policy in June 2006. The purpose of the policy is to promote wellness through a balance of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Good nutrition and physical activity are essential for students to perform physical and mental tasks well and achieve lifelong health and well-being.

The following are key points from the Student Wellness Policy. We ask that you review these points and keep them in mind when planning classroom and school activities.

Ø Consideration shall be given to promoting health and reducing childhood obesity when offering food during the school day

Ø Fundraising projects shall be encouraged to be supportive of healthy eating and student wellness

Ø The use of food as a reward (or punishment) is discouraged

Ø Classroom parties will provide fresh fruits and vegetables, water or non-fat milk, low fat frozen yogurt or low fat ice cream as an alternative to regular ice cream, and a selection of peanut/tree nut-free choices

Ø Foods containing potentially life-threatening allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, etc) will be clearly marked

Ø Non-food items are suggested as an alternative to food

Ø Follow serving sizes

Please contact your School Nurse if you would like a list of non-food items that can be used as rewards, need a list of “safe snacks” or have any other questions regarding your child’s health and well-being. Thank you for supporting our Student Wellness Policy.