BHC in the classroom
BHC Orientation
Schools play an important role in the health and wellbeing of students, and in classroom is where students spend a significant amount of their school day. That is why our classroom component is a great way to reinforce healthy eating and physical activity. Healthy children are more likely to earn higher grades, perform better on standardized tests, and regularly attend school. In the classroom, incorporating healthy activities help to improve students’ concentration, memory, mood, and behavior. Healthy students are better learners!
During this year of Building Healthy Communities Implementation, Classroom Teachers will:
- Display a MyPlate Poster (that we provide) in the classroom. This is an important way to reinforce the lessons and serves as a reminder of healthy habits.
- Integrate at least eight (8) healthy eating lessons within your classroom from October – May (that’s one a month). A variety of resources will be provided on the BHC website to aid in this, including 16 lesson plans on a range of nutrition-focused topics. We’ve provided a recommended sequence for instruction, or you can choose topics of interest to your students. We ask that you include one a month, but feel free to do more if your schedule and curriculum permit!
- Utilize regular physical activity breaks during the school day. Small bouts of physical activity have benefits for learners, teachers, and the classroom environment! We’ll provide you with activity recommendations each month, as well as a library of resources from which you can choose. We aim for one PA break per day, but more is better!
- Establishing class policies that promote healthy habits and wellness. Creating and maintaining a healthy classroom allows you to provide a physical and social environment that promotes healthy choices
Healthy Eating Lessons
My Plate
Dairy
Fruits & Vegetables
Healthy Snacks
Grains
Breakfast
Protein
Healthy Drinks
Additional Lessons
Mindful Eating
Calcium & Vitamin D
Eat A Rainbow
Go Slow Whoa
Food = Energy
Around The World
Sugar Shock
What’s Your Eating Style
SEL Lessons
Feelings are Signals
Finding your calm
Building better friendships
Outside-in
Let’s fix it together
SEL Classroom Resources
Classroom Resources
Monthly Physical Activity Breaks
The Building Healthy Communities Program is undergoing an exciting transition within our broader school health initiative. We will not be accepting new applications for the elementary school program at this time; instead, we are expanding our impact through Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, a comprehensive K–12 program designed to support school-wide wellness initiatives across all grade levels.
The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up For School Wellness program builds on the success of our elementary model while offering:
- Expanded grade-level inclusion (K–12)
- Many additional healthy resources available for schools to select
- Greater opportunities for school-wide engagement and impact
While we are no longer accepting new applications for the Elementary School Program, we are proud of the many schools and communities that have participated and will continue to support our alumni schools through ongoing access to program resources and materials on this site.
This transition reflects our continued commitment to supporting healthier school communities through innovative, scalable, and inclusive programming. We are grateful for the impact of the Elementary School Program and excited for what lies ahead with Step Up for School Wellness.
For New Schools:
If your school is interested in launching or strengthening a wellness initiative, we encourage you to apply for Step Up for School Wellness resources. This program is now the primary pathway for schools looking to join the Building Healthy Communities network.
For BHC Alumni Schools:
We remain committed to our alumni schools and invite you to continue utilizing the resources available on this website to sustain the healthy school environment you built during your year of BHC programing.
BHC alumni schools are also eligible to apply for additional support! Consider applying for Step Up for School Wellness resources related to mental health and social-emotional learning to expand or deepen your school wellness efforts.
Click on the image above to view the full program description.
