Basics of Teaching Nutrition Education & Physical Activity in the Classroom

Why worry about nutrition and physical activity?

Diet is linked with 5 of the 10 leading causes of death:Coronary heart diseaseSome types of cancerStrokeType 2 diabetesAtherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)

A Dangerous Trend

Data from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System showed that, of students in grades 9-12: 36% did not eat fruit/100% fruit juice one or more times

per day37.7% did not eat vegetables one or more times per day12.2% did not eat for 24 hours or more to lose weight or

to keep from gaining weightObese children and adolescents are more likely to

become obese as adults.

Concern About Physical InactivityData from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior

Surveillance System showed that, of students in grades 9-12: 32.4% watched television 3 or more hours per

day13.8% did not participate in at least 60 minutes

of physical activity on any days of the weekOnly 49.5% were physically active for a total of

at least 60 minutes/day on at least 5 days of the week

Childhood Obesity

Data from NHANES surveys (1976–1980 and 2009–2010) show that the prevalence of obesity has increased: for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence

increased from 5.0% to 12.1%for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased

from 6.5% to 18.0%for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence

increased from 5.0% to 18.4%

Long-Term Health Consequences

Obese children and adolescents are more likely to: Become obese as adultsHave health problems related to cardiovascular

disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes

Have bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem

Finding the TimeIf you don’t have extra time to devote to nutrition,

how do you squeeze it into an already busy school day?Integrate with other subjectsTake advantage of mealtime and small breaks in the day

Overcoming Additional Barriers

Other possible barriers:Special NeedsConfidenceSpaceIdeas

Good NutritionProvides students with a solid foundation for

lifelong health.Increases the odds of healthy & attentive

students.Assures optimal development and growthHas positive effects on:

AlertnessAttentionPerformance on standardized achievement tests

Teaching Nutrition Basics

Nutrition education doesn’t need to occur in formal lessonsBe a healthy role model!Healthy foods at class partiesEliminate soft drinksUse non-food items as

rewards

Teaching Nutrition Basics

www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

What are the components of MyPlate?

Five food groups Uses a familiar mealtime visual, a place

settingReminder to eat healthfullyIncludes the website address for

ChooseMyPlate.gov

MyPlate Messages

Make half your plate fruits and vegetablesMake half your grains wholeVary your veggiesFocus on fruitsGet your calcium-rich foodsGo lean with protein

Using MyPyramidMyPyramid also teaches nutrition by food groups.Focus on eating a variety of foodsModeration

Eat more foods that are low in added sugar and fatCut back on packaged snacks & drinks that are high in

sugar and/or fatBalance food intake with physical activity.

Teaching Nutrition to Preschoolers

Teaching Nutrition BasicsEncourage youngsters to:

Try new foodsEat a variety of foodsGet plenty of playtime activity

Resources on www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

MyPyramid Coloring Activity

Healthy Foods Rainbow

ChooseMyPlate.gov Preschool Resources

Use resources from choosemyplate.govDaily food planDeveloping healthy eating habitsTips for picky eatersMeal and snack informationHealthy Eating for Preschoolers

Mini-Poster

Teaching Nutrition in the Elementary Classroom

MyPlate Activity

• MyPyramid for Kids resources available for elementary students of all ages

Teaching Nutrition in Middle and High School Classrooms

My Daily Food Plan ActivityHow does your intake compare to the recommendations? Create a customized Daily Food Plan at

www.ChooseMyPlate.govAn easy way to get older students to think more critically

about what they are eating.

Physical Activity

Children and adolescents should get 60 minutes or more of physical activity EACH day.

It is one of the most important things that children & adults can do for their health. It can help:Control weightReduce risk of disease (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer,

etc.)Strengthen bones and musclesImprove mental health & moodKeep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp

Let’s give it a try!Toss and CatchShare:

Your favorite fruit or vegetableYour favorite physical activityYour favorite food served in the school

cafeteria

Preschools

Learning to be physically active from an early age sets the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits

Physical activity Helps to develop motor skills and coordinationCan help children learn to feel good about

themselvesHelps with mental developmentFree play also helps children use their

imagination and be creative

Physical Activity Show-and-Tell

Young children love to show off new skillsEncourage children to share achievements by

holding a weekly physical activity show-and-tell.Make sure the environment is supportive,

cheerful, and nonjudgmental

Older Students

Beginning to experience freedom to make choicesRegular physical activity may:

Improve self-esteemHelp to manage weightIncrease fitness levelsHelp build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints

School staff can impact physical activity choices by being a healthy role model and providing opportunities to be active during the school day

A Few Examples…

For younger children:Basic movements and motor skills:

Tossing and catchingJumping, hopping and skippingSide-steppingBalancing (on toes, on one foot, on one foot and

two hands, etc.)Pattern movements (hopscotch, dance steps,

“Simon Says” etc.)

A Few Examples…

For older children and adolescents:Emphasize team-building

Work in teams to complete tasks

Require multiple people to be successful Encourage participation from ALL students

Provide opportunities for creativitySupport student creativity Listen to students’ suggestions

Time for a “break”

Stand next to a numberWhen the music starts, move around the room to

touch the next number in sequenceKeep going until you get back to your original numberClassroom applications?

A few last-minute tips!Allow energetic kids a

chance to move and playLimit directions, rules and

explanationsShare activities with

parents