Back to school success: Tips for a healthy and safe start in Emery Village
As Emery Village prepares for the back to school season, there are several tips and resources to help ensure elementary students have a smooth and healthy start to the school year.
First, it’s essential to establish a consistent bedtime routine. The City of Toronto recommends keeping bedtimes the same on weekdays and weekends, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment. Ensuring children get enough sleep is crucial for their learning and overall well-being.
Physical activity is another key part of preparing for school. Children should be active for at least 180 minutes a day, with at least 60 minutes of energetic play like running and jumping. Staying active helps improve concentration, self-esteem, and overall health.
When it comes to nutrition, a healthy breakfast and balanced meals are vital for students’ energy and focus throughout the school day. Using Canada’s Food Guide to plan meals that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins can help ensure kids are ready to learn. Drinking water regularly and involving children in meal preparation can also make healthy eating fun.
Safety is also a big consideration, especially for outdoor play and getting to school. Checking playground equipment, supervising play, and using the right safety gear, like helmets for biking, are important. Walking to school is a great way for kids to stay active, and parents can model road safety by walking with their children and teaching them the rules for crossing streets.
The City of Toronto offers various after-school care programs, including the After-School Recreation Care (ARC) program, which provides activities like sports, creative projects, and homework help. These programs support children’s development in a safe and engaging environment.
By focusing on sleep, physical activity, healthy eating, and safety, along with exploring the City’s after-school programs, Emery Village families can help their children have a successful and healthy start to the school year.
For more information, visit the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Public Health websites, where you’ll find detailed resources to support families during the back-to-school transition.