News
Staying Healthy at Home
In light of the temporary suspension of K-12 in-school classes, this edition of the Healthy Schools BC newsletter is filled with ways students can stay healthy at home. For more ideas on how to encourage physical and health education at home, follow the Twitter hashtags #PEatHome, and #PHEatHome.
Earth Day is April 22nd, 2020
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme is climate action. There are plenty of steps you can take at home to teach children the importance of protecting and restoring the earth. Research native plants and create a pollinator-friendly garden in the backyard, or swap out single-use plastic with reusable alternatives. Log your actions and explore what other people are doing around the world on the
Earth Day 2020
website.
Find out more.
Articles
Talking to Children About COVID-19
It is understandable for children to have questions and feel concerned about the COVID-19 virus. Engaging in informed, age-appropriate conversations that address these queries may help relieve some of their anxiety and will help them take steps to keep themselves and others healthy. Fraser Health has created a list of tips and resources for parents, teachers and caregivers to use when talking to children about COVID-19.
Find out more.
Including Kids in Meal Planning and Preparation
Cooking with kids is a great way to spend quality time together while simultaneously promoting healthy eating. Children who cook build food skills, confidence, and self-efficacy.
Helping to prepare a meal can also encourage picky eaters to try new foods. Check out the
tips and tricks from Canada’s food guide.
Find out more.
Reso
urces
Hand Washing
Washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of infections and one of the most important things we can do right now to keep ourselves and others healthy. See this easy to follow
Hand Hygiene Poster
created by the BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC Ministry of Health. You can visit the
Do Bugs Need Drugs
?
website for videos, activities and lesson plans that teach proper hand washing techniques.
Staying Active
Even while social distancing or self-isolating, children can learn through play using active games that keep them moving at home. If you are looking for ideas,
Active for Life
has compiled more than 200 activities for families to do at home.
Meals Then and Now
Encourage children and youth to virtually connect with a relative or a family friend while exploring how foods and eating habits have changed over time. The BC Dairy Association's
Meals then and Now Activity
guides kids through interviewing someone from an older generation and asking questions about what a typical meal was like when they were growing up. Kids then compare what they found out with the foods and eating habits in their own lives.
Find out more.
Announcements
World Health Day was April 7th, 2020
The goal of this year’s World Health Day was to shine a light on the vital role played by nurses and midwives. It's not too late to let the nurses and midwives at your local health unit know how much you appreciate them by having kids create a special thank-you letter, or video to share on social media.
Find out more.
