Curricula - Youth
Making Healthy Choices 1 and 2 (Kindergarten and First Grade)
This curriculum was developed by EFNEP Extension Agents at Mississippi State University. The objectives of the curriculum are to introduce the principles of the USDA Food Guidance System and the Dietary Guidelines as well as to encourage physical activity. The curriculum consists of 6 lessons for kindergarten and 6 lessons for first grade. The lessons and activities are designed for 3 to 6 year old children; and corresponding parent newsletters provide activities to help communicate and reinforce lesson concepts in the home environment. Lesson topics encourage selection of healthy foods as well as the importance of breakfast, hand washing, and physical activity.
Show Me Nutrition
Show me Nutrition was developed by the University of Missouri’s SNAP-Ed program. The curriculum was developed using social learning theory constructs, and all grade levels were pilot tested (2000-2003). This process included gathering feedback from educators, students and teachers and making revisions. Ongoing feedback using a Teacher Feedback Form indicates that all grade levels consistently report behavior changes that include:
- Increased awareness of nutrition
- Healthier meal and/or snack choices
- Eating breakfast more often
- More willing to try new foods
- Improved hand washing
- Increased physical activity
An assessment of the effectiveness of the 5th grade SMN in 2001 revealed that students who participated in SMN scored higher on the Health/Physical Education portion of the assessment tests (Missouri Assessment Program) as compared to the state average. (Schuster)
Professor Popcorn (3rd grade)
This curriculum includes 6 lessons that focus on choosing healthy meals and snacks according to the USDA Food Guidance System and the Dietary Guidelines. Classroom activities encourage application of healthy eating and physical activity to daily lifestyles. The curriculum was piloted in 2001-02 in eight Mississippi counties where it was well-received among schools.
Nutrition Expedition curricula (2nd grade and 4th grade)
We have two curricula kits from the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA). Both kits contain posters and four interactive computer games that provide fun reinforcement to children's nutrition learning. The interactive computer games are also available on the SUDIA website. English.
- Little D's Nutrition Expedition for lower elementary (grades 1-2) takes students through a medieval journey, where they meet food group friends like Little D the dragon, Princess Peapod, Queen Anna Banana and Sir Milkford the Scholar. The 10 nutrition lessons in the education kit supplement the Health and Language Arts curricula.
- Arianna's Nutrition Expedition for upper elementary (grades 3-4) follows two nutrition and physical activity heroes through a maze of mysteries. The eight lessons provided in this kit supplement the Health and Language Arts curricula.
Operation Food Safety (K-4th grades)
Operation Food Safety (OFS)was originally developed by Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the OFS Coalition. FNP updated the curriculum and is currently using it to teach food safety concepts such as hand washing and keeping foods at safe temperatures. It includes lessons for Pre-K and Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3 and 4, and Grades 9-12. A study conducted by Rosen indicated that teaching a hand washing program (such as OFS) to preschool children can result in increased practice of hand washing. (Rosen et al). English.
Kids in the Kitchen (KIK)
Kids in the Kitchen (KIK) is a University of Missouri curriculum that provides “hands on” learning opportunities for three different age groups to match curriculum content to their cognitive abilities and motor skills. The teaching objectives help participants to identify kitchen equipment, prevent hazards in the kitchen, practice food safety, and prepare healthy food for tasting purposes. Also, we plan to use colorful, child-friendly, cooking magazine called “Chop! Chop!” which was developed by a nonprofit organization for the purpose of educating children to be nutritionally literate and to empower them to participate with their families in establishing a lifetime of healthy nutritional habits. This magazine can be used as a tool to create a healthier home environment to reinforce new habits. English.
Exercise Your Options (6th – 8th grade)
Exercise Your Options (EYO) is a six-lesson nutrition program that aligns with California education standards and can easily integrate Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education. The lessons were created using a behavior-change model that allows students to apply their unique perspectives to the decisions they make every day that influence your health. The lesson plans have been designed with fun and learning in mind. The curriculum is skills-based to help students apply problem-solving, reasoning and critical-thinking techniques. EYO teaches middle school students skills to make better choices when presented with a range of real-life issues.
Publications
News
That box of granola bars looks nutritious, and it may be. But do you know how to tell for sure if certain foods on the grocery store shelf fit into your daily diet? Here's how to tell.
Pineapple Fried Rice is both savory and sweet and makes an easy, nutritious weeknight dinner!
Drinking too much alcohol or too often can have a negative effect on your health and nutrition goals. Qula offers some tips for reducing or eliminating alcohol.
