Table 4.

Teachers’ suggested strategies to increase student water consumption at school

Theme	Illustrative quotes
Access
Increasing number of fountains	“More water fountains. Fountains that have large water flow”
Placing fountain outside	“I would move [the drinking station] outside, students could fill their bottles up at recess and bring them into class. Students would drink more at recess”
Access to water at all times	“Students should be allowed to drink water whenever needed. For example, after recess or lunch break etc”
Water promotion
School-wide	“All staff encourage students to drink water during recess, lunch, before and after school”
Didactic lessons	“Do a class lesson about the importance of staying hydrated and using reusable bottles”
Teacher role modeling	“I think making sure that I drink water all the time in front of students”
Teacher reminders or rewards	“Reminding students and perhaps giving out certificates for making healthy choices”
Water bottles
School providing bottles	“Provide reusable water bottles”
Allowing bottles/cups in classroom	“Bring their own reusable water bottles and use it in the classroom”
Policy change
Types of beverages allowed	“Get rid of chocolate milk. More education about what a sugary drink really is”
Bathroom policy	“Stop punishing kids for using the bathroom during class”