MB NER. Breakfast Helps Students Make The Grade (NAPSA)—One of the most important school supplies your child has may be a spoon. That’s the news from a new survey that gave a “report card” on American teacher conference be your only touch point. Have a daily school check-in with your child—homework, friends, successes, challenges. This simple conversation sends a powerful messageto yourchild. e Even an houror twoof school involvement, which can often be done before or after school, can children’s breakfast habits and how they relate to school perfor- mance. The study suggests that something as simple as eating cereal in the morning can help a child have a better school day. make a difference for your child Educators witness the fall-out and your school. About The Report Card every day and confirm studies that show that children who eat breakfast daily score higher on achievement tests and have lower absenteeism rates than children who skip breakfast. Start Smart—Studies show that eating breakfast can improve a child’s performancein school. Kids who skip breakfast lose up to a quarter of their daily bowl of cereal in the morning to ensure kids arrive at school ready to learn are thefirst steps in effec- minerals—directly impacting Sullivan’s group works to pro- intake of critical vitamins and energy levels, memory and focus. tive involvement.” Grade The report card survey found that more than 90 percent of vide over 20 million moms and dads with simple tips on helping their children do better in school. They include: Breakfast doesn’t need to be to be involved in their children’s provides a nutritious breakfast. Parents Can Help Make The momssaid it was “very important” education—but 30 percent of ele- mentary school-aged children are sent to school at least one day per week on empty stomachs. “Skipping breakfast is not an option,” said Tim Sullivan, presi- dent of PTO Today. “Getting involved doesn’t have to be difficult. Easy steps like pouring a elaborate. A quick bowl of cereal e Kids running to class have trouble settling down so incorporate at least 10 minutes of pad- ding in the school drop-off routine to avoid a rush. Implement openlines of com- munication with your school early. Whetherit’s by e-mail, phone or in person, don’t let your parent- The Report Card on America’s Breakfast Habits was launched in response to educators who say they are concerned about children who do not eat breakfast. The survey was completed by the American Cereal Council in partnership with PTO Today. It was meant to examine how well parents are preparing their children for school. A sample of over 1,000 moms with children ages 6 to 12 were asked about their breakfast routine and the importance of parent involvement in their children’s education. More Information Parents looking for suggestions on how to improve their breakfast routine and get more involved in preparing their children for school can visit www.americancereal council.org or www.ptotoday.com for easy tips and expert advice.
