GROW IT, TRY IT, LIKE IT!
Grow It, Try It, Like It! is designed by The Food and Nutrition Service. Fruits and vegetables are important components of meals and snacks offered to children. Nutrition education can help encourage children to try new foods in positive and fun ways. Through the activities in Grow It, Try It, Like It! children touch, smell, feel, and taste new fruits and vegetables. Children also learn how fruits and vegetables grow. Planting activities help children connect the delicious food choices at the table with the farm, orchard, or garden. During the warmer months, gardens are planted but we do not need a full garden to do the activities in Grow It, Try It, Like It! There are ways to grow many plants in small containers! Grow It, Try It, Like It! provides learning opportunities that contribute to each child’s individual growth and development by creatively using carefully crafted activities develop the child’s entire body and mind. Resources and information can be found at fns.usda.gov/tn/grow-it.
LANA (LEARNING ABOUT NUTRITION THROUGH ACTIVITIES)
The LANA Curriculum is aligned with both NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and Head Start Early Learning Framework. Studies suggest that eating habits and food preferences are established in early childhood. By educating and actively encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption both at school and at home, LANA helps children establish healthy eating habits early through fun and easy activities. Why is the LANA program unique? The LANA Preschool Program is based on well-established nutrition education and behavior-change theories. LANA helps children learn to eat more fruits and vegetables by:
- Increasing opportunities for children to taste and eat fruits and vegetables
- Providing opportunities for hands-on experiences with fruits and vegetables
- Creating a supportive environment for eating fruits and vegetables
- Providing children with role models who eat fruits and vegetables
- Connecting classroom activities with the home environment
For ideas and more details visit Lananutrition.com.
YOGA
Improves mind and body connection and encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle. New curriculum is in the works…more info to come!
CATCH
CATCH Early Childhood (CEC) is designed to nurture a love of physical activity, provide an introduction to classroom-based physical movement and nutrition, and encourage healthy eating in children ages 3-5. Children are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance and move their whole bodies while playing and having fun. More information can be found at Catchinfo.org.
OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
Child development research has showed that all children need and benefit from more time outdoors; it is critical for their health, wellbeing, and future school success. The optimal learning environment for young children is composed of a full integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Children of Tomorrow’s goal is to take our classroom teaching outside by providing hands-on experiences, physical activity, social-emotional growth through peer interaction, and varied approaches to cognitive development that connect children to nature and maximize their learning outcomes. Learn more about our certified outdoor classrooms at certified.natureexplore.org.
FOOD & NUTRITION
We believe that the simple act of breaking bread together, even at a young age, is an essential social experience that can nurture positive interpersonal relationships. The ritual of sharing a meal is essential to a strong and vibrant community.
Children of Tomorrow has partnered with Premiere Kitchen Inc. to provide exceptional food service for the children in our care. In addition to being healthy and nutritious, the menus are interesting, flavorful and fun. They are also designed to expand children’s range of food experiences. Only whole grains are served and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables are offered daily. All meals served meet the Child Care Food Program, Minnesota Department of Education guidelines and the National Association for the Education of Young Children standards.
