Do Carrots Make You See Better?

Book excerpt: Noting that young children learn about food and nutrition through food preparation, eating together, play, science activities, and games, this resource guide addresses food learning and nutritional provisions in early childhood programs. The guide is designed to meet the needs of children and adults in child care centers, family child care programs, preschools, kindergartens, and before- and after-school programs. The guide presents six approaches to food learning with suggestions for many hands-on activities: (1) children's decision making; (2) science and mathematics; (3) food cycles; (4) language, drama, and social studies; (5) physical activities and motor skills; and (6) food selection, preparation, and presentation. Suggestions are also offered about food provision in early childhood settings. The chapters are: (1) "An Introduction to Food Foundations," discussing the values of foods and eating, adult roles in facilitating food events with children, and the kinds of learning children gain from a variety of food opportunities; (2) "A Framework for Learning about Food," focusing on key principles for formal and informal curricula, learning and teaching considerations, and the learning process; (3) "Approaches to Children's Food Learning," introducing the six approaches and including sample activities; (4) "Food and Nutrition Issues and Information," discussing nutrition guidelines, infants' and children's nutritional needs, special food needs, meal planning, safety and food hygiene, and information for parents; (5) "Making Decisions about Food Foundations," including information on children's rights, negotiating food foundations, sample food education and nutrition policies, and a management process for food issues in early childhood programs. (Contains references and recommended readings organized by chapter.)(KB)