Evaluating Perceptions of a Sensory-Based Nutrition Curriculum among Head Start Teachers in Mississippi

Autor/inn/en	Huye, Holly F.; Bradford, LaShaundrea
Titel	Evaluating Perceptions of a Sensory-Based Nutrition Curriculum among Head Start Teachers in Mississippi
Quelle	In: Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, 46 (2022) 2, (11 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Teacher Attitudes; Multisensory Learning; Nutrition; Low Income Students; Social Services; Federal Programs; Preschool Teachers; Health Promotion; Physical Activities; Puppetry; Teaching Methods; Obesity; Mississippi + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Lehrerverhalten; Sensorische Stimulation; Ernährung; Social service; Soziale Dienstleistung; Soziale Dienste; Pre-school education; Preschool education; Erzieher; Erzieherin; Kindergärtnerin; Vorschulerziehung; Vorschule; Gesundheitsfürsorge; Gesundheitshilfe; Reihenuntersuchung; Puppenspiel; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Adipositas
Abstract	Methods: Summative focus groups with teachers across three Head Start centers were conducted to explore teachers' attitudes toward the HH2H curriculum. The curriculum consisted of eight weekly nutrition lessons, interactive activities with puppets, taste tests, and physical activity set to music as a component of the Impact of a Preschool Obesity Prevention (I-POP) Intervention. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes according to patterns in the data. Results: Twenty-one teachers participated in the focus group discussions. Three themes emerged: "Fun, Interactive Curriculum;" "Child Enthusiasm for Healthy Foods;" and "Center-wide Benefits." Teachers expressed how they enjoyed using the interactive materials and how the puppets added visual focus to reinforce key messages. Teachers noted that children enjoyed the puppets, music, and "I-POP" day. Children were excited about their new-found knowledge about Go & Grow foods and their discovery of liking and eating vegetables. Not only did teachers indicate health benefits for the children, but they also realized how the curriculum helped them to eat healthier and exercise. Based on teachers' perceptions, it appeared that the kitchen staff were also influenced by the curriculum, as they started to provide healthier snacks. Application to Child Nutrition Professionals: The HH2H curriculum is a culturally and linguistically appropriate curriculum for children ages 3 to 5 that can address obesity concerns in Mississippi. Using evidence-based, interactive nutrition education materials in early child care centers provides exposure to healthy foods and can establish food habits that may carry over into adulthood. Child nutrition professionals should assess the cultural appropriateness for the children in their programs and provide training for teachers before implementing the curriculum. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	School Nutrition Association. 120 Waterfront Street Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745. Tel: 301-686-3100; Fax: 301-686-3115; e-mail: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org; Web site: https://schoolnutrition.org/news-publications/jcnm/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01