Parents and educators are becoming increasingly concerned with the alarming increase in obesity in our children. This is also an issue of interest to early childhood educators because we know that we need to start early in developing physical fitness and healthy eating habits in young children. Young children spend a large percentage of their time in childcare centers. Physical fitness and healthy eating habits become a responsibility for childcare providers. Kids 'R Kids in Sarasota has a new curriculum that centers around the ideas of physical fitness and healthy eating habits for young children in childcare at their center. Kids 'R Kids Health and Fitness Challenge is centered around activities that promote ways to keep our bodies healthy, healthy food choices, and activities that parents can do with their children at home.
This curriculum uses creative activities to teach young children about the Food Pyramid. They learn to choose foods from the pyramid that are necessary for good health. Kids 'R Kids also implements Family Style dining in which the children sit together at the table to enjoy snacks and lunch.They learn to serve themselves with healthy portion sizes. This type of dining experience is endorsed by the National Association for the Education of Young Chidlren. Many children do not have the experience of sitting at a table with their family and enjoying a meal. Many families in our busy society today do not take the time to sit at the table and eat together. The menu that is served at the center is available to parents online at the center's website. Healthy items include 2% milk, whole-grain bread that is baked each day in the center's kitchen, and juices that are 100% fruit. The center also encourages the children to learn to eat new foods. Fresh spinach and lettuce have recently been introduced to the children.
Kids 'R Kids is located at 11520 Palmbrush Trail in the Lakewood Ranch area of Sarasota.
Comments