Last week was a big week for my class. They had their first PAT (provincial achievement test). This first one is known as Language Arts Part A. In this test, the students have 2 hours to complete a story (based on a picture that was provided), and a newspaper article (based on information provided). It’s not hard, but it does require 2 hours of complete and quiet focus, and many cramped hands.
In order to help my students do their best on these days, I always provide food. Of course, they have 4 more PATs at the end of the year, but these are much shorter, and therefore require a shorter duration of concentration. But for this first one, I provide food.
Studies have showed that hungry children do worse on their work. Hunger can be a great distraction, and I want them to be at their peak. These tests are also written in the morning, and I know some students come to school without eating breakfast. So I need them to have food.
Because my students know that I’m bringing food, it also “lightens” their moods for the upcoming test. It’s amazing what food can do!
Now, when I went shopping, I realized that I had forgotten how difficult it can be to get food. There are a few things I have to consider:
#1: It has to be nut free. Our school has a nut sensitive policy, and because of an incident, it has become even more so. All goods have to have the peanut free symbol. This severely limits some healthy options.
#2: I don’t want to just get them junk food. I’d like something somewhat healthy.
#3: It can’t be messy. Can you imagine, sending the Education Department of the Government dirty pages of testing? I think I would hear about it… SOMEONE would end up like this:
Ok… maybe not quite that bad. But the paper might look like that!
And so I shopped. With all these restrictions, I came out with water bottles, Bear Paws (3 different types), Granola Bars (3 different types) and fruit cups. Not perfect, but not bad.
The kids enjoyed the day, did very well (I think…I’ll get the results later), and at least did not have to worry about being hungry and trying to focus! These little things are what make the difference.
Calm in Christ and Fitness 