Preschooler’s energy needs are great. Nutritional deficiencies can affect brain growth, physical growth, and can even create behavioral problems. Elizabeth M. Ward, MS RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association advises that “young children should eat mostly healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, protein, legumes, whole grains and two servings of dairy foods.” It is important to teach children not only to eat food that are healthy and nutritious, but also to eat in moderation. Kathy Mitchell, an MD at Harvard Vanguard Medical Association, reminds adults that “young children imitate adults.” According to Melinda Johnson, pediatric nutrition expert and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “studies have shown that children adopt their parents’ eating habits starting early in life.” Therefore, the ideal time to start teaching healthy eating habits is when a child is very young. Adults have the power and responsibility to ensure that children learn that eating healthy is extremely important in obtaining physical and emotional wellbeing.

In Mimi’s Place classrooms meal and snack times are opportune times to emphasize nutrition, healthy eating and food awareness. These times should be happy experiences for the children. They should be sitting at all times so that there is no danger of choking. Children should have regular meal times and healthy snacks in between meals. According to Keechi Harris RD, LD, Nutrition Coordinator, Head Star, “Eating with the children gives you a chance to participate at mealtime and to explore teachable moments.” Play relaxing music and keep the conversation light in order to create an environment that is conducive to enjoying the meal. Ask children to think of “something good” that happened to them recently. Mealtime presents a great opportunity to witness a fantastic exchange of ideas and information. Provide a variety of food so that children will learn to eat most of the foods. Children will acquire a taste for foods after trying it many times.

Objectives:

  1. Body awareness – identifying and learning about the parts of the human body.
  2. The importance of eating healthy – maintaining a healthy body and mind.
  3. Food categories and the importance of water – learning about the different food categories; fruits, vegetable, legumes, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, whole grains and poultry.
  4. Food plate – selecting healthy foods to eat daily.
  5. Exercise – importance of daily exercise in order to maintain a healthy body and mind.
  6. Dental hygiene – learning about oral hygiene in order to stay healthy.

TIPS FOR EXPLORING NUTRITION

Here are five ways the U.S. Government through the Department of Agriculture promotes to support good health and nutrition with preschool learners:

  • Grow up healthy. Create and complete a growth chart to measure each child’s height at periodic points in time during the first five years of his/her life.
  • Develop healthy eating habits. Develop healthy eaters by setting a good example and practicing positive habits.
  • Try new foods. Help picky eaters broaden their likes.
  • Play actively every day. Ensure there is adequate physical activity in each preschooler’s day.
  • Follow food safety rules. Store food at proper temperatures and cook food thoroughly.

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