Virginia Tech® home

Buzz, Body & Bites for Teens - August 2023

ID

4H-1022NP

Authors as Published

Rebecca Owen, Extension Agent, FCS, SNAP Education, Virginia Cooperative Extension Rockbridge County Office; and Virginia 4-H Teen Healthy Living Ambassadors,

Buzz: Prioritizing for a Successful Back to School

The school year is coming fast, and so are the activities, events, and assignments. A key skill to starting off the year strong is prioritizing properly. Prioritizing organizes your obligations and activities by importance, due date, and other factors. The more difficult part though is putting it all together into one cohesive, planned out schedule. Taking some time to map out your next few weeks or projects can be the first step in deciding what you need to prioritize. Keeping the big picture in mind will make it easier to conceptualize your to-do list. Next, listing out what it will take to successfully complete each project on your plate, while also considering your daily responsibilities, will create visibility. Make sure you consider the deadlines of each project as well; make sure you don’t wait till the last minute to take on the most difficult responsibility! Planning for the unexpected, cutting out distractions, and using organization tools can also better your productivity. Start the school year off strong, and get ahead of your priorities!

Back to School Tips:

  • Focus on the big picture

  • Create a list of all responsibilities

  • Note deadlines

  • Break down large, daunting tasks

  • Schedule out your day

  • Be prepared for the unexpected

  • Reward yourself

  • Avoid distractions

  • Use organization tools

  • Create a weekly routine

Lots of things count as physical activity. Try a mix of sports and other fun activities.

Body: Physical Activity and Academic Achievement

Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior). So, get active and move YOUR way!

Bites: Eggs and Things

Ingredients:

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs

  • ¼ cup unsalted pretzels

  • ½ cup grapes

  • ¼ cup hummus

  • 10 baby carrots

Directions:

  • Pack into divided containers. Dip the unsalted pretzels and/or baby carrots into the hummus. Enjoy!

Find more recipes at eatsmartmovemoreva.org.

Exercise Your Mind: School Supplies Picture Hunt

School supplies picture hunt.

Resources

Virginia 4-H | Facebook www.facebook.com/Virginia4HStateOffice

Virginia Family Nutrition Program eatsmartmovemoreva.org

www.facebook.com/VaFNP

Editors: Tonya Price, PhD; Rebecca Wilder, MEd

Peer Reviewers: Karen Munden, MS; Becky Gartner, MS; Helen Leslie; Trinity Pamplin; Seriyah Nickens; Alice Milton; Becca Lantz; Meghan McGee; Lidija Westfall, Ellie James, Eleni Kasianides; Gloria Jamerson

 


Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Publication Date

August 1, 2023