Module 3: Engaging Children in Healthy Eating

Interactive Learning and Activities

Engaging children in fun, interactive activities is an effective way to teach them about healthy eating habits. This module explores various games and activities that make learning about nutrition enjoyable for children.

Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Activity

Learning Objective: Help children learn about different food groups.

Materials Needed:

 

Instructions:

  1. Discuss the different food groups shown on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
  2. Ask children to draw examples of foods within each group.
  3. For older children, discuss “everyday foods” vs. “sometimes foods”.

Yummy Snack Makers

Learning Objective: Allow children to create healthy snacks using their creativity and nutritional knowledge.

Materials Needed:

  • Printed pictures or cut-outs of nutritious snack foods

Instructions:

  1. Provide children with food cut-outs.
  2. Ask them to combine foods to create tasty, nutritious snacks.
  3. Discuss their choices and the nutritional benefits.

Meal Planning and Preparation

Involving children in meal planning and preparation can increase their interest in healthy foods and teach valuable life skills.

Weekly Meal Planning Activity

Learning Objective: Teach children about balanced meal planning.

Instructions:

  1. Create a weekly meal planner template.
  2. Involve children in choosing meals for each day.
  3. Discuss the importance of including foods from all food groups.

Cooking Together

Learning Objective: Engage children in food preparation to increase their interest in healthy eating.

Instructions:

  1. Choose simple, child-friendly recipes.
  2. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children.
  3. Discuss the nutritional value of ingredients while cooking.

Creating a Positive Food Environment

A supportive environment is crucial for encouraging healthy eating habits in children.

Tips for a Positive Mealtime Atmosphere:

  1. Make meals enjoyable by creating a relaxed setting.
  2. Encourage family conversations during meals.
  3. Allow children to serve themselves to promote independence.
  4. Avoid pressuring children to eat; instead, lead by example.

Key Takeaways

  • Interactive activities make learning about nutrition fun for children.
  • Involving children in meal planning and preparation increases their interest in healthy foods.
  • Creating a positive food environment encourages good eating habits.
  • Consistent exposure to healthy foods and positive role modeling are essential for developing lifelong healthy eating habits.

Remember, developing healthy eating habits is a gradual process. Be patient and consistent in your approach to encourage children’s positive relationship with nutritious foods.