6.2 Implement an activity to support healthy eating in own setting

This guide will help you answer 6.2 Implement an activity to support healthy eating in own setting.

As an Early Years Practitioner, promoting healthy eating habits among young children is one of your key responsibilities. Healthy eating is essential for children’s growth, development, and overall well-being. At this stage, children form habits that can last a lifetime. Implementing a well-thought-out activity in your setting can lay a solid foundation for these habits.

Healthy eating involves consuming a variety of foods that provide necessary nutrients and energy. Nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition helps children grow, learn, and stay active. Teaching children about healthy food choices supports not only their physical health but also their cognitive and emotional development.

Planning the Activity

1. Choose an Age-Appropriate Activity: The activity should be tailored to the children’s age and developmental stage. For toddlers, keep activities simple and engaging.
2. Set Clear Objectives: Decide what you want the children to learn. Objectives might include learning to identify different fruits and vegetables, understanding the food groups, or recognising the importance of diverse meals.
3. Gather Materials: Depending on the chosen activity, you may need various props like plastic food models, real fruits and vegetables, storybooks about healthy eating, or craft supplies.
4. Involve Parents and Carers: Notify parents about the activity and encourage them to talk about healthy eating at home. This creates consistency between home and your setting.

Sample Activities

Fruit and Vegetable Tasting Session

Objective: Introduce children to a variety of fruits and vegetables and encourage them to try new tastes and textures.

Materials Needed:

• A selection of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Small plates and utensils
• Napkins
• Paper and crayons or markers

Steps:

1. Introduction: Begin by showing the children different fruits and vegetables. Name each one and talk about their colours, shapes, and textures.
2. Taste Test: Allow the children to taste small pieces of each fruit and vegetable. Encourage them to describe the taste and texture.
3. Discussion: Discuss why fruits and vegetables are essential for health. Use simple language to explain vitamins and nutrients.
4. Craft Activity: Have the children draw their favourite fruit or vegetable they tried. This reinforces their learning and makes the session fun.

Healthy Meal Collage

Objective: Teach children to recognise the components of a balanced meal.

Materials Needed:

• Magazines or supermarket brochures with pictures of food
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Large paper or cardboard

Steps:

1. Explain the Concept: Talk about what makes a meal healthy. Introduce the idea of food groups – protein, carbohydrates, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Cutting and Pasting: Have the children look through the magazines to find pictures of different foods. They should cut these out and glue them onto the large paper to create their meal.
3. Group Discussion: Once everyone has completed their collage, sit together and discuss each meal. Mention some foods they might have forgotten and why they are important.

Story Time with Healthy Eating Books

Objective: Reinforce healthy eating messages through storytelling.

Materials Needed:

• A selection of children’s books focused on healthy eating. Examples include “Eat Your Greens, Goldilocks!” by Steve Smallman or “Oliver’s Vegetables” by Vivian French.

Steps:

1. Story Selection: Choose a book that focuses on healthy eating and is appropriate for the children’s age group.
2. Reading Session: Gather the children in a comfortable area and read the story aloud, focusing on the healthy eating messages.
3. Interactive Questions: Ask questions during reading to engage the children. For example, “What vegetables do you think Goldilocks might try next?” or “Why is it important for Oliver to eat his vegetables?”
4. Follow-Up Activity: After the story, engage the children in a related activity, like drawing their favourite part of the story or acting out a scene.

Encouraging Participation

1. Make it Fun: Children learn best when they are having fun. Incorporate games, songs, and hands-on activities.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Praise children for trying new foods or participating in discussions.
3. Lead by Example: Show your enthusiasm for healthy eating by eating nutritious snacks and talking about their benefits.
4. Create a Supportive Environment: Avoid forcing children to eat foods they dislike. Encourage them to try new things but respect their preferences.

Evaluating the Activity

After the activity, take time to evaluate its effectiveness. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next time. Ask yourself:

• Did the children meet the learning objectives?
• Were they engaged and interested?
• Did they try new foods or participate in discussions?
• What feedback did you receive from the children or their parents?

Getting feedback from your colleagues can also provide valuable insights. Use this information to refine future activities and continue promoting healthy eating in your setting.

Final Thoughts

Implementing an activity to support healthy eating in your setting is a rewarding endeavour. With careful planning and a focus on engagement, you can help children develop a positive relationship with food. Remember, your enthusiasm and commitment can make a significant impact on their lifelong eating habits.

By involving children in fun and educational activities, you equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy food choices. This is an essential step in fostering their overall development and well-being. When children are actively involved in growing, preparing, and cooking food, they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with food and a deeper understanding of where it comes from. Additionally, the benefits of partnership with parents are invaluable in reinforcing these healthy habits at home. When parents and caregivers join in these activities, they can further encourage and support their children in making nutritious decisions. This partnership can also create a more consistent and positive environment for children to learn and practice healthy eating habits.