Refreshing Ideas to Kick off the Summer Right
This month, we celebrate the arrival of warmer days with simple and fun ideas to help keep children well hydrated in the morning!
Let’s explore the benefits of water, along with practical tips to encourage students to drink more throughout the day.
Water for Learning: A Winning Habit in the Classroom!
With the arrival of warm, sunny days, hydration becomes even more important for children. Did you know that a child’s body is made up of 60% to 75% water? Drinking enough each day is essential to replace the water lost through breathing, sweating, urination and bowel movements—especially when it’s hot or students are more active.
Even though food provides some water, it is not enough to meet all of a child’s needs. Providing regular access to water in schools is therefore essential to support students’ health and ability to learn.
Why is water so important?
Water is the best beverage to quench thirst and keep students hydrated throughout the day. It helps to:
- Maintain proper body temperature
- Transport essential nutrients
- Support healthy kidney function
- Promote energy, concentration and attention
- Improve alertness and certain motor skills
Adequate hydration also helps prevent dehydration, a risk that is higher in children, especially during hot weather.
How can hydration be encouraged at school?
A well-hydrated student is more ready to learn. Simple daily strategies can help create a classroom environment that supports hydration. By integrating water into the school routine and increasing opportunities to drink, it becomes easier to support students’ attention and well-being throughout the day.
- Make water available in the classroom or nearby.
- Encourage students to bring a water bottle in their lunchbox.
- Include hydration in discussions about healthy lifestyle habits.
- Lead by example by drinking water in class.
Key moments to prioritize:
- When kids first get to class
- Before a learning period
- After physical activity or recess
- During work time or longer periods
By making water easily accessible and encouraging regular hydration throughout the school day, schools can help students feel their best, stay focused and be ready to learn. Small actions, like keeping water bottles nearby or building hydration into daily routines, can make a meaningful difference in supporting children’s health and well-being, especially during the warmer months. This summer, let’s continue creating school environments where healthy habits can thrive, one sip at a time!