Learning to Make Healthy Choices: Grade 3 Welcomes Professional Basketball Player Beka Burjanadze
As part of their Who We Are unit of inquiry, Grade 3 students at European School welcomed Mr. Beka Burjanadze, a professional basketball player, for an inspiring session focused on healthy choices and their influence on well-being.
Guided by the central idea, “Making healthy choices can influence our well-being,” students have been exploring how body systems work, which habits and routines promote a healthy lifestyle, and how personal choices affect our health. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences and discover how these ideas apply beyond the classroom.
During the session, Mr. Burjanadze shared insights into his journey as a professional athlete and gave students a glimpse into his daily routine. He spoke about the importance of physical activity, balanced nutrition, sufficient rest, discipline, and consistency in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through his personal experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of how everyday habits and responsible choices can support physical health, performance, and overall well-being.
A highlight of the visit was the students’ opportunity to interview Mr. Burjanadze. Drawing on their prior learning and curiosity, they prepared questions about his training, daily routines, healthy habits, and life as a professional basketball player. The interview encouraged students to take an active role in their learning, develop their communication skills, and deepen their understanding through inquiry and dialogue.
The session also provided opportunities to make connections between the IB Learner Profile and real-life experiences. Students explored how professional athletes demonstrate the qualities of being balanced by taking care of their physical and mental well-being; committed, through regular practice and perseverance; and reflective, by learning from their experiences and continually working to improve. They were encouraged to consider how these qualities can be applied in their own lives, from staying active and making nutritious food choices to developing positive daily routines.
Through this authentic learning experience, students strengthened their understanding of the relationship between personal choices and well-being. They were encouraged to reflect on their own habits, consider small changes they could make, and recognize that healthy living is built through consistent everyday decisions.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Beka Burjanadze for sharing his time, experience, and valuable insights with our Grade 3 students. His visit brought the unit to life and reminded our young inquirers that the choices they make today can help shape their health and well-being for the future.
