s t e p s t o s u c c e s s literacy fitness and food activities for young children

S t e p s t o S u c c e s s

Literacy

Fitness

and

Food Activities

for

Young Children


What is it?– a resource that provides information and

practical ideas on• literacy• nutrition• childhood obesity• the child and adult care food program• food safety• and more

– 55 learning activities that incorporate the three areas of

• literacy • physical fitness• snack ideas


Who is it for?• caregivers and teachers of young children—

both in-home and center-based • children two to six years of age

What are the objectives?• to help caregivers and teachers

– incorporate literacy activities into their daily routine

– include physical activity as part of their daily routine

– involve children in fun snack food preparation

– take important food safety precautions when working with children to prepare kid-tested and approved snacks


Children learn best when:• caregivers and teachers are intentional in

planning learning experiences

• learning experiences reflect children’s interests

• concepts and skills are embedded in play andfamiliar routines

• caring adults provide “scaffolding” – are involved enough, but not too much, in children’s activities

• connections are made across curricular areas


Children’s books: How do children benefit?

• children learn about language• children learn about books• children learn about written language• children learn about the world• children learn to love reading


Food safety • food preparation and handling

– hand washing– storage and cooking temperatures

• sanitizing the kitchen


Promoting a healthy weight for children

• incorporating physical activity• less “screen” time


Developed by• Cheryl L. Barber, M.F.C.S., R.D, L.D.

– Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Fulton County

• Mary F. Longo, M.S.– Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Marion

County• Anita Pulay, M.Ed.

– Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Belmont County

• Kirk Bloir, M.S.– Extension Associate, Human Development & Family Science,

• Kathy L. Reschke, Ph.D.– State Extension Specialist & Assistant Professor, Early

Development and Care, Human Development & Family Science, College of Human Ecology, The Ohio State UniversityOSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State

UniversityExtension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural

Administration and Director, OSU Extension. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868. | © 2004, Ohio State University Extension.

s t e p s t o s u c c e s s literacy fitness and food activities for young children

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