Lesson 10: Protection Good Nutrition Attention
Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able
Teaching Read Chapter 7 SNH We already know that good nutrition is key to healthy development. Did you know that there are many challenges facing our children when it comes to a well balanced diet? One issue is food insecurity. Families from poverty may struggle with the ability to consistently provide healthy meals and people who do not know when or if they will eat each day are more likely to eat what is inexpensive and easily available. Unfortunately this might mean making unhealthy choices as it can appear that fresh fruits and vegetables are too expensive. So although it seems contradictory, there is a correlation between poverty, poor nutrition and obesity. Fast food is another part of our cultural that contributes to obesity. Have you seen this movie?
It’s a documentary about the damage fast food does to your body over time. Prepared food seems cheap (although it really isn’t when you look at the price you pay for the lack of nutrients you are receiving) and it is readily available for busy families. There have been recent changes to fast food menus in an effort to increase the health value, such as calorie listings and fruit or milk options. However, do you think a child would choose apples or french fries if they were offered? Children naturally tend to want high fat, carbohydrates. Wouldn’t you, if you didn’t understand how important it is to eat healthy? So how do we help children make good choices? It starts with having open conversations about healthy foods. Role modeling good eating and providing a variety of colorful, tasty fruits and vegetables and encouraging tasting. It is up to the adults in the household to provide children with healthy options rather than tempting treats. To keep the expense down, you should shop for fruits and vegetables that are in season and/or local. Grocery stores have weekly sales, usually on fruits, vegetables and meats. A smart shopper looks at these sales before planning the menu. It may seem simple, but it is important to help children create healthy life styles so they can avoid future health problems as adults. Here’s a helpful website around menu planning on a budget. My Plate (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/budget) Part of this healthy life style involves physical activity. Both children and adults should participate in at least one hour of movement every day. Young children are naturally active and usually enjoy the opportunity to move. Kids love playgrounds and games, but you can also incorporate movement into a classroom curriculum. For example, you could add a couple of dances to your morning meeting, have children use their bodies in fun ways during transition times (“let’s take giant steps to the carpet), or do physical activities that teach a lesson (pair up and make the letter A with your body), or do Yoga as a calming stretch before nap time. The opportunities are only limited to your creativity. And there are many resources on the internet, including Pinterest. The National Association for the Education of Young Children also gives advice about the important connections between physical activity and brain development. https://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201109/Moving%20Bodies_Russo_Marigliano_Online_0911.pdf Assessment Lesson 10 Quiz Lesson Quizzes will consist of material from the lesson, the discussions, and from assigned reading. Questions will be True/False, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer. Be sure to review all the Lesson and Reading material prior to starting this quiz. Lesson 10 Discussion A How can you use the NAEYC article in your teaching practice, either current or future? What do you think was the most important advice in this article? Lesson 10 Discussion B Share your favorite preschool physical movement activity-preferably one that involves a cognitive skill as well.
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