This guide will help you answer 6.1 Plan an activity to support healthy eating in own setting.
Healthy eating is fundamental in the early years, as it sets the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. As an Early Years Practitioner, you play a crucial role in promoting nutritious dietary habits. In this guide, we will show you how you can plan an engaging and educational activity to support healthy eating in your setting.
Children need a balanced diet to grow and develop properly. Nutrition affects not only their physical health but also their cognitive development, emotional well-being, and overall energy levels. Therefore, incorporating activities that promote healthy eating is essential in early years settings.
Setting Objectives
Before planning your activity, you need clear objectives. These might include:
- Increasing awareness of different food groups.
- Teaching children about the nutritional value of certain foods.
- Encouraging children to try new healthy foods.
- Demonstrating the importance of balanced meals.
Choosing an Activity
Select an activity that is age-appropriate, engaging, and educational. Here are a few ideas:
- Interactive Food Pyramid: Create a large food pyramid chart and use pictures or samples of food for children to place in the correct categories.
- Healthy Snack Preparation: Involve children in the preparation of a healthy snack, such as a fruit salad or vegetable sticks with hummus.
- Story Time with Healthy Eating Books: Select books that focus on healthy eating and discuss the stories with the children.
- Gardening: Plant vegetables or herbs in a garden area or pots. This activity teaches children where food comes from and encourages them to eat what they’ve helped grow.
Planning the Food Pyramid Activity
Materials Needed
- Large poster board
- Pictures of various foods (cut out from magazines or printed)
- Velcro strips or sticky tack
- Markers and colouring supplies
Steps to Follow
Introduction:
- Gather the children in a circle.
- Briefly introduce the concept of healthy eating and explain the food pyramid. Discuss different food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
Creating the Food Pyramid:
- Divide the poster board into sections representing the food groups.
- Label each section clearly.
- Show the children pictures of various foods.
Interactive Sorting:
- Give each child a picture of a food item.
- Ask them to describe their food item and discuss which food group it belongs to.
- Let the children place the food item on the pyramid in the correct section.
Discussion:
- Once all items are placed, review the food pyramid together.
- Discuss why certain foods belong in certain groups and the benefits they provide.
- Emphasise the importance of eating a variety of foods from each group.
Follow-Up Activity:
- Provide colouring sheets of the food pyramid for the children to colour.
- Encourage them to talk about the foods they coloured with their parents, fostering communication about healthy eating at home.
Planning the Healthy Snack Preparation Activity
Materials Needed
- Assorted fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, berries)
- Cutting boards and child-safe knives
- Bowls and utensils
- Aprons and hairnets (maintaining hygiene)
Steps to Follow
Introduction:
- Talk to the children about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
- Explain what they will be preparing and the ingredients they will use.
Preparation:
- Wash hands together, modelling good hygiene.
- Show the children the various fruits and explain their nutritional benefits.
Hands-On Involvement:
- Divide the children into small groups.
- Give each group a different task such as peeling, cutting, or mixing the fruits.
- Closely supervise to ensure safety and provide assistance as needed.
Tasting:
- Once the fruit salad is ready, sit together and enjoy the snack.
- Encourage children to describe the flavours and textures they experience.
Discussion:
- Ask questions about their favourite fruits and why they think fruits are important.
- Reinforce the message of healthy eating by linking it to the food pyramid.
Engaging Parents and Guardians
Involving parents and guardians is crucial in supporting healthy eating habits. Consider the following steps to engage them:
- Send home information: Provide educational leaflets on healthy eating.
- Share recipes: Give parents simple, nutritious recipes they can try at home with their children.
- Host workshops: Organise workshops where parents can learn more about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals.
Monitoring and Evaluation
After conducting the activity, it is essential to evaluate its effectiveness:
- Observe: Watch the children during the activity. Note their level of engagement and any difficulties they encountered.
- Feedback: Ask the children what they enjoyed most and least about the activity.
- Follow-Up: Look for changes in their eating habits or attitudes towards food over the following weeks.
- Reflect: Consider what went well and what could be improved for future activities. Use this reflection to enhance your future planning.
Conclusion
Planning an activity to support healthy eating requires careful consideration and preparation. By choosing age-appropriate, engaging, and educational activities, you can help instil the importance of a balanced diet in young children.
Remember to set clear objectives, involve children in hands-on experiences, and engage parents in the process. Continuous monitoring and reflection will ensure the activity’s success and ongoing improvement.
Through your dedicated efforts, you can lay the foundation for healthier lifestyle choices that extend well beyond the early years setting.
