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Using Innovative Strategies to Teach Middle School Youth

about Healthy Eating Habits By: Anam Bhatti, Shania Covington & Denise Benoit-Moctezuma

Why? Prince George’s County has the second highest obesity rate in

Maryland. Approximately, 48% of the county’s children are either

overweight or obese. Studies show obesity is a strong precursor to

other chronic diseases. Additionally, middle schools around the

county cut valuable after school enrichment programs, which

promoted healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Who?

A Unique Partnership was Formed Between:

• The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s (EFNEP)

Youth Educators

• Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (MMYC) & GapBuster

Learning Center, Inc.

• Students ages 12- 14 yrs. attending turnaround middle schools in

Prince George's County:

Thomas Johnson

Benjamin Stoddert

Drew Freeman

G. James Gholson

Program Partners

What? Youth educators implemented a 5-10 week series once a week after school covering the following lessons:

1. MyPlate 2. Wonderful World of Fruits and

Veggies 3. Think Your Drink and Snack

Smart 4. Reading Food Labels 5. Life in the Fast Food Lane 6. Media Smart

Example Lesson Outline: (approx. 2 hours per class)

Nutrition lesson and activity Food prep and cooking Special project - throughout the series,

students also work on special projects based on creative strategies adapted by the educators. See below.

Special Projects Using Innovative Strategies

Cooking: A portion of each class during the series is dedicated to cooking. During this time,

students learn the importance of: 1) making healthier food choices, 2) following and creating

their own recipes, 3) cooking (sauté, simmer, broil, bake) and cutting techniques (julienne, dice, chop, mince). Students were allowed to take photos to use in other special projects.

Gardening: Classes are held during the summer, therefore children were exposed to gardening and agriculture. To reinforce these skills and

concepts, students received a “Where Does My Food Come From” lesson. As an extension to the

gardening concept, students participated in photography and art expression by taking

pictures of their garden and class progression and created a mural.

Filming and Photography: Students used digital media to: 1) create a PSA, 2) food advertisement, 3) demonstrate cooking techniques. To help with the special project, students received a lesson on food advertising. The purpose of this lesson was

to engage the students in applying their knowledge about the media’s influence on food,

body image, and advertising into a 15-minute television show.

Art Expression: The all-girl Thomas Johnson Jems expressed their favorite

food memory through painting. This class focused on self-expression and promoting

self-confidence .

Purpose Program Components

The Turnaround Model is an innovative school reform initiative to improve student achievement in

the system’s lowest performing schools.