Do Carrots Make You See Better?

Children's Literature

This comprehensive, well-researched guide to nutrition and eating for early childhood centers is the best seen so far. Based on the rationales that "we are what we eat," and that good nutrition and ideas about food should be shared experiences between adults and children, this book explores the many nutritional, cultural and social experiences of food. It provides a framework and resources for approaching this subject with preschoolers. More and more preschoolers are receiving at least two meals a day plus many ideas about food and eating in early childhood centers. Although most states provide guidelines for serving meals in these facilities, parents and teachers often do not make nutrition and the formation of good eating habits a priority. This workbook-type guide provides suggestions for establishing an overall approach to nutrition and eating for staff as well as children. Also, it emphasizes that decisions about forming good eating habits can be a shared experience between adults and children. Suggestions for incorporating nutrition in the science, math and health curricula are provided as well as incorporating good nutrition in language, drama, physical education and social living activities. Nothing is left out¾illustrated menus, ideas about food safety, preparation and presentation and much more is available. The program itself is a product of action research on the part of the authors. Highly recommended for anyone working with groups of preschoolers. 2001, Gryphon House, $19.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger