As a teacher who loves to bring botany into her preschool classroom of 4- and 5-year-olds, the author makes edible plants a regular, popular feature of her students' environment. The author is fascinated when her students become increasingly adventurous in their tastes for vegetables the more they handle and understand plants. The author decided…

By adopting the Smart School Snacks program, administrators and teachers at the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) preschool center have prompted a healthy change in attitude about snacks. Simple healthy snacks have become the norm at the center and are welcomed by children and families alike. Family involvement is a critical part of the program.…

Presents a rationale for incorporating every day cooking activities into early childhood education programs, and provides suggestions on how to organize such activities. (DP)

Encourages the incorporation of nutrition education in the preschool by offering a conceptual framework, increasing awareness of current classroom practices, and providing suggestions for nutrition activities within major curriculum areas. (MP)

Indicates that it is possible for very young children to learn some basic concepts about nutrition which can affect their eating habits. To foster such learning, an appropriate curriculum for the children's age level must be planned and implemented. (Author/MP)

The author sketches early efforts at nutrition and foods instruction for immigrants and goes on to describe current programs and approaches to solving the poor's nutrition problems. (JB)

Notes that because of the strong connection between food and feelings of safety, love, and well-being caregivers should carefully look at eating activities. Suggests the following procedures: choose small- or whole-group snack routine, organize snack trays, plan transition ritual before snack, define students' personal space, sit at eye level with…

Discusses how nutrition education may be implemented in early childhood classrooms. Describes the incidence of malnutrition and obesity, and topics covered--the food pyramid, vegetable growth, and nutritional needs--through several integrated nutrition units including: (1) the bread basket; (2) potatoes; (3) vegetable soup; (4) fruit basket; (5)…

Preschools provide a large proportion of children's daily food intake. This article guides child care center staff in understanding child nutrition guidelines and translating good nutrition into meal planning. It contains resources for menu planning, cooking, and food safety and includes specific recipes, a weekly meal planner, and contacts for…

Maintains that teachers can introduce young children to good nutrition and strengthen their well-being by incorporating cooking into the classroom. Also suggests ways for incorporating cooking activities into the classroom. (BB)

A diverse group of professionals associated with Texas Woman's University's Institute for Women's Health, working collaboratively with school administrators, teachers, family support teams, and family members, developed Growing with EASE: Eating, Activity, and Self-Esteem, a nutrition program for young children and their families. In tracking the…

Notes that early childhood intervention is receiving renewed national attention and presents highlights of the Chicago Child-Parent Center (CPC) program. Notes that the center-based CPC features a structured and diverse set of language-based instructional activities, lower than average child-to-teacher ratios, multifaceted parent participation…