Moses Brown teacher’s recipes fuel young learners

In 25 years of early childhood education at Moses Brown School, Martha Handley has spent a lot of time with little ones. After ten years teaching Kindergarten, the Bristol resident can safely make a long-term observation: it’s a challenge for young learners to stay focused, especially in the classroom. “As a parent, I raised three boys, two of whom were diagnosed with ADHD,” Martha says, “and I’ve seen many students struggle with attentional issues in our classroom. As we opened our lunch boxes to eat together every day, I began to wonder: can diet support attention? I believe ‘focus foods’ can help.”

Martha decided to create, test, and share recipes that children will like and will help with mental stamina. She researched food’s ability to help children maintain focus: “I’m in no way an expert, and there are many conflicting opinions about the effects of diet on our bodies and minds.” She started a blog – Focus Fuel for Five Year Olds – as a resource for parents. It offers ideas for lunches, snacks, smoothies – and encouragement for parents to cook with their kids. “I have two passions – teaching young children and cooking,” she says. “This project combines the two.”

Here’s a taste:

Breakfast Parfait: Who doesn’t like something that looks like a sundae! In a tall glass, layer blueberries, strawberries, a dash of honey or agave nectar, vanilla Greek yogurt, and muesli. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, paired with fruit and agave syrup or honey to sweeten without sugar. Check yogurt labels and know that the fewer ingredients, the better!

Canadian Bacon Egg Squares: These can be made ahead and put in the microwave on a busy morning.

Chicken with Tangerine: Salty and sweet is what this is about. There is very little prep and this simple dish is easy for kids to eat during a quick snack time. Toss and pack bite-sized chunks of chicken breast and tangerine, with a dash of soy sauce.

Smoothies: a great pick-me-up on the go. You can pretty much make a smoothie to your child’s particular likes. My son Max is no longer a Kindergartener -- he makes these for himself for breakfast in college! Blend ice, banana, berries or mango, Greek yogurt, and a handful of spinach or Swiss chard leaves. Why greens? They’re packed with magnesium, which can increase focus.

Some parents may want to keep those greens a secret ingredient.