MOVE
Healthy Habits
Engaging activities focused on food help preschoolers form positive habits and experiences early on
At A Glance
When preschoolers eat healthy, nutritious foods, it supports their physical growth, energy, and motivation. Eating healthy foods can support their ability to focus and learn. Children are more likely reach for healthy foods in the future when they form positive thoughts and habits early on. Educators can support children to understand the relationship between healthy foods and their bodies. We can do this by involving children in growing, cooking, and discussing healthy foods and the people who work with our food in fun, positive ways.What It Looks Like
A quick glance at how you can support healthy habits for preschoolers
Model & Narrate Food Choices
Celebrate the deliciousness and benefits of healthy foods by identifying and labeling them by name.
Talk about Food
Offer Choice
EXPLORING HEALTHY HABITS THROUGH BOOKS
Amara's Farm
Written by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Samara Hardy, this story follows a girl around her garden as she appreciates the many unique and tasty qualities of the vegetables and fruits growing there.
EXPLORING HEALTHY HABITS THROUGH BOOKS
Tomatoes for Neela
Written by Padma Lakshmi and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, this story shows a child connecting with her family by learning about and cooking the food that nourishes them.
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
Fostering Security
FAMILY CONNECTION
Healthy Ways to Celebrate
CONSIDERING EQUITY
Healthy Body Images
Adults play an important role in helping children think positively about their bodies. This article from Today’s Parent offers three tips for fostering children’s healthy body images.
Activity Cards for Preschool Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children’s healthy habits
Focus on Foods
Talking about food choices helps children understand how different foods help their bodies grow.
I’m Thinking of a Food
Play a guessing game by describing food items by their look, texture, and taste.
Where Does It Come From?
Talk about where different foods come from and the people who work to grow, deliver, and sell foods.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
