Learning good lifestyle habits, such as being active and eating the right types and amounts of food and drink is key to helping children maintain a healthy weight throughout their life.
For World School Milk Day 2016, the Dairy Council is calling on primary schools across the country to join them for a dance to celebrate the white stuff on Wednesday 28th September.
As part of a nationwide competition, teachers are encouraged to tweet a video of their class moving and shaking in celebration of milk.
The Dairy Council will award their favourite videos with prizes for their efforts.
Schools can also get involved in the milk celebrations by designing a backdrop for the video or a display for the classroom wall.
Other activities include downloading a presentation from The Dairy Council’s website to teach the class about the benefits of milk; holding a pop quiz or other competitions in class; or making milkshakes.
Primary school children need lots of nutrients and energy from their food for growth and development, and their requirements are proportionally higher in relation to their body size than adults.
Milk and dairy foods provide calcium and protein for growing bodies and help to protect teeth against dental cavities.
A small carton of semi-skimmed milk can provide 42-52% of 4-10 year olds recommended daily intake for calcium and 24-35% of their recommended protein intake.
Another important but less known nutrient, iodine, is found in significant amounts in milk.
It is needed for growth and brain development in children and a glass of milk provides about 52-57% of their recommended intake.
'Essential for children to have healthy diet'
Erica Hocking, Senior Nutritionist at The Dairy Council, said: "At primary school age, it is essential that children have a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of physical activity to help them maintain a healthy weight as they get older.
"Research shows that milk consumption may have a beneficial effect on growth, body weight and reduced body fatness.
"Schools have a key role to play there and should try to encourage children to replace sugary drinks with milk or water.
"This year, we are asking schools to get moving and shaking in celebration of all things milk.
"Just tweet us footage of your class strutting their stuff for World School Milk Day and you will be in with the chance of winning some milk shakers for the entire dance troop.
"We have even created a dance tutorial video which is available on our website and YouTube channel to inspire teachers to get moving – check it out. We can’t wait to see all of the videos," Miss Hocking.
