Research shows that children need to be having substantial drinks of water throughout the day.
Rather than little sips here and there, a UK study found that children who drink at least 300mL of water at a time will have improved memory and attention. Particularly for memory, the study revealed significant improvements in children who had taken a drink of water 30 minutes prior to testing, compared to those who had not.
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Australian children need to drink between 1200mL and 1900mL of water every day. More water is needed if the weather is very hot, as we know it can be in Australia, and if children are exercising or playing sport. Given how much time children spend at school, a lot of that water needs to be consumed during the school day. Staying hydrated will help students remain focussed and ready to learn, fight fatigue, and improve mood.
The Australian dietary guidelines recommend that people get most of their daily fluid intake from plain water. Schools could consider only allowing water in water bottles, and restricting the sale of sugary fruit drinks and sodas at the tuckshop. It is also important to have plenty of hydration options available at school.
Evelyn Prooper from Civiq believes that hydration in the classroom is vital. “Focused minds, improved concentration, and even better physical performance all hinge on students staying properly hydrated.
“We all know it can be difficult to get students excited about water,” Ms Prooper said.
“Sugary drinks are so tempting. Think about it: those drinks win half the battle with their eye-catching packaging.”
Modern drinking fountains, though, provide many options to win the battle against sugar and single use plastic, and keep students hydrated.
Hydration by the bottle
Water bottles are now a common site in school bags and on desks. This means children can take a drink whenever they want, without needing to ask the teacher or leave a learning activity. There is, though, the potential for spills which may cause a significant disruption to the class. Constantly drinking can also distract some students from the task at hand, and having their water bottle in their mouth means students can avoid answering questions or participating in group discussions.
Alternatively, allowing students to have water bottles in the classroom, stored in a central location will ensure they can be easily accessed, while limiting disruptions to learning. For primary students, consider integrating regular water breaks into the day’s activities. Students could be prompted to take a drink at the beginning or end of a session, or when returning from break time. This will mean lessons can continue uninterrupted.
Scheduling a water break part-way through a learning session can serve as a brain break, ensuring students do not become fatigued and can stay focussed. Helping students to form these habits will assist them to get the water they need, and establish predictable and stable routines which can help children regulate their emotions. Particularly for younger students, including a toilet break or prompts to use the bathroom at the end of each lunch break or recess may alleviate additional disruptions
Encouraging students to refill and reuse bottles can help cement sustainable and environmentally conscious practices more broadly. Students who are in the habit of carrying a water bottle with them are more likely to extend this habitat beyond the school gates, meaning they (or their parents) will not need to buy water on the go.
Installing dedicated refill stations is preferable to using bubblers to fill water bottles. Taps that deliver a strong water flow, and which a bottle can be easily positioned under upright will make refiling water bottles much easier, which will mean students refill more often.
Ms Prooper said adding options to refill a bottle is a step in the right direction to ensure students stay hydrated. “Chilled water is a far more attractive option compared to lukewarm alternatives. Filters remove impurities and improve water’s natural taste.”
Bubblers, fountains and taps
Drinking water must also be available to students outside the classroom. Students are more active during break times and will likely need to have a drink. A range of fountain and bubbler options are available to schools, from trough style to individual units. Added extras include chilling functions and filters to remove dirt and impurities.
To make sure drinking stations are well used, consider the optimal position for them. Areas where students sit to eat their lunch and near the tuckshop are good locations. For children to access during class time, some drinking stations should be centrally located near classrooms.
And modern drinking stations have evolved beyond boring and bland. Ms Prooper said there are many options to personalise your hydration points within your school. “Colourful graphics can feature your school colours, logos and values. Or you could customise a design featuring your school mascot.
“This will remind everyone that staying hydrated is the ultimate power move, and every sip will become a celebration of community and school spirit.”
Creating a feature of your water points makes them a more appealing addition to the school landscape, and means you do not need to compromise on aesthetics.
Models are also available which are hands free, with the water flow activated by a sensor or foot pedal. This can eliminate a high touch point and reduce the spread of germs. In many instances, this is also a more practical solution as students do not need to have empty hands to easily access drinking water. Hands free options may also be more user-friendly for students with mobility difficulties.
A community effort
Ms Prooper said there is a growing trend in schools where the upgrading of school water fountains is spearheaded by students. “I love seeing how schools work with their students to make water the coolest kid on campus.
“More and more we see students drive the process. They take the initiative to replace the old trough. Students ask us for a quote and fundraise to make it happen. P&C bodies provide pivotal support. It’s a real community effort.”
And while students are often the advocates for better drinking water options, change can be encouraged from anyone in the community. “Next time you’re on playground duty, take a good look at your water fountain,” Ms Prooper said. “If it doesn’t inspire a thirst for hydration, it’s time for a change.
“Talk to your P&C, explore fundraising options, or investigate what grants are available. You’ll be surprised by how many others share your vision. Because after all, bad hydration habits are simply something we can’t afford.
“Let’s make hydration the coolest kid on campus, and create a healthier school for all.”
