Articles
* Ready for Kindergarten - Five teachers tell you what preschoolers really need for next year.
* What Kindergarten Teachers Wish Parents Knew
* Fueled For Success - Smart eating habits can feed good grades as well as a strong body.
Ready for Kindergarten - Five teachers tell you what preschoolers really need for next year.
By Ellen H. Parlapiano
Source: Parent & Child
If your child's preschool years are coming to an end, your thoughts are probably turning toward kindergarten. But is your child ready to move on to the "big" school? What skills do kindergarten teachers expect their new students to have? To help answer those questions (and ease your mind), we've asked highly regarded kindergarten teachers from around the country to share their insights on helping your child gain the right mix of kindergarten-readiness skills.
The skill sets they are looking for might surprise you. Because of the national focus on improving education and meeting standards, you might think that it's most important for children to enter kindergarten knowing their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and colors so they can keep up with the curriculum. While teachers would love children to come in with some letter and number recognition, they don't want you to drill your kids on academic skills. There are equally — if not more — important readiness skills that set the stage for your child's learning. Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved easily through play and day-to-day activities.What follows are the top readiness skills that kindergarten teachers look for.
Enthusiasm Toward Learning
"I look for those qualities that prime children to be successful in school," says Kim Hughes. Does the child approach learning enthusiastically? Is she eager to explore and discover? Does she ask questions, take initiative, and persist when tasks are difficult? "Parents can set aside a little time each day to investigate the world with their preschooler and answer those endless questions," says Sandra Waite-Stupiansky. As you drive or walk along in the park, point out your child's surroundings — the different trees or the various birds at the feeder. Demonstrate how things work. "You'll help your child develop beginning science skills — the ability to form a hypothesis, test it out, and come up with new questions and theories," Waite-Stupiansky explains. "The more kids notice, the more curious they'll become. And we'll be building on that curiosity in kindergarten."
Solid Oral-Language Skills
"Children need wide background knowledge about their world and the words to go with it," says Lisa Mosier. "I want to know where they've been and what they can talk about." You can help build language skills by taking your child to many new places and giving him words and descriptions for what he is seeing. At the zoo, explain, "There's a tiger. See how he has stripes and looks different from the lion?" Mosier says these experiences have a huge impact on literacy. "If you're reading a book about zoo animals and it says 'Look at the tiger,' and you can't tell the difference between a lion and a tiger, then you won't have the background knowledge to help you tackle the word. When children come to words that they don't know, they won't be able to make a good guess because it isn't in their vocabulary."
Research shows that one of the best predictors of later reading success is a well-developed oral vocabulary in kindergarten. "PreK kids are learning vocabulary at the rate of five to six words a day," says Waite-Stupiansky. "It's just amazing how they will retain words if you use them several times in context and conversation."
The Ability to Listen
Children's literature is a rich resource for expanding language. "We expect parents to be reading to kids every day," says Jayne C. Isaacs. "I can tell which children have been glued to the TV or computer for hours at a time. When we read them a story and ask them to tell us in their own words what they liked or remembered, they're unable to do so." Besides fostering vocabulary and comprehension, reading develops the attention skills necessary in a kindergarten classroom. "Listening is a key part of school behavior," Isaacs notes. Students must be able to concentrate on what the teacher is saying, listen carefully for directions, and tune in to the sounds in letters and words.
"The more animated you are as you read, the better you'll focus your child's attention on what she's hearing," says Armando Argandona. Use different voices for the characters. Promote critical thinking by asking questions like, "Why do you think that happened?" and "How would you feel if that happened to you?" and "What do you think will happen next?" Engage kids by inviting them to clap or stomp when they hear a rhyming word, and letting them finish sentences in familiar stories. Books with rhyme and repetitive refrains (like those by Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss) help kids predict what's coming and detect consonant sounds at the beginning and end of words, which fosters phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and break down the subtle sounds in words. Your child won't be able to read the word "cat" until she understands that it actually has three sounds: "cuh," "ah," and "tuh."
Singing fosters pre-reading skills too. "Take turns substituting new sounds in nursery rhymes and songs," suggests Mosier. For example, transform "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to "Dinkle Dinkle Dittle Dar" or "Zippety Doo Da" to "Bibbety Boo Bah."
The Desire to Be Independent
Encouraging self-help skills is an important step to preparing your child for kindergarten. "It's amazing how many kids come to kindergarten not knowing how to hang up a jacket," says Argandona. It might be quicker for you to do it, but "independence is critical for helping your child adjust to school," he emphasizes. Teachers expect children to:
• Get coats on and off and hang them up
• Follow simple two-step instructions such as "take off your boots and put on your sneakers"
• Go to the bathroom and wash their hands
• Blow their nose and cover their mouth when they cough
• Fasten and unfasten simple buttons and snaps
• Eat neatly and pour into a cup
• Open up a juice box and get the straw in.
"Some children are so dependent on their parents that they expect the teacher to do these things for them," says Hughes. "But when you have 20-plus kids in the room, it's hard to worry about wiping noses!" However, she notes that tying shoes is a developmental skill that often doesn't come until the first grade. If kids can't yet tie their shoes, Hughes suggests sending them in slip-ons or sneakers with Velcro fasteners.
The Ability to Play Well with Others
Your child will need your assistance refining essential social skills such as sharing, compromising, turn-taking, and problem-solving. "Children are naturally egocentric at this age, and we don't expect them to be able to share everything," says Waite-Stupiansky. "But by the time they reach kindergarten, they should be able to express their feelings in words and begin to understand that two people can use the same thing at the same time."
If you and your child are building with blocks and he reaches for one you're using, Hughes suggests you first encourage your child to ask, "May I have the block?" Then model sharing by saying something like, "I'm glad to share my block with you." When you notice your child sharing with others, celebrate it by saying, "I'm so proud of you. It's really hard to share your favorite doll, but you were able to do it. Good for you!"
On play dates and park outings, stay within earshot so you can help kids problem-solve when conflict occurs, Hughes recommends. If your son gets in a power struggle over a toy and can't seem to work it out, step in and say, "It looks like we're having a problem here. What can we do about it?" Encourage him to come up with possible solutions, offering your own suggestions, if necessary. "Help kids understand the feelings of others," says Hughes. "I want them to know when a friend is sad by looking at her face and seeing that her mouth is frowning or her eyes are crying." This nurtures compassion and empathy, values that are prized by kindergarten teachers.
Strong Fine-Motor Skills
Your child's hands must be strong enough to master coloring, cutting, pasting, and holding a pencil — fine-motor tasks that kids use every day in kindergarten. "By week one, we're already writing a letter of the alphabet," says Argandona. "If kids can't hold the pencil correctly, they will fall behind."
To hold the pencil the right way, kids need to develop the small muscles in their palms and fingers. Hughes suggests giving your child a pipe cleaner and some Cheerios (or similar, colorful cereal) to make bracelets. "It requires you to pinch with your fingers," she explains, the same motion needed for grasping a pencil. Or ask your preschooler to mist your houseplants with a spray bottle, an activity that boosts both writing and scissor skills. Scribbling in clay with fingers is a fun alternative to doing it on paper and especially helpful for kids who are resistant to writing and drawing. (A child can practice cutting the clay into small strips too.)
"Offer writing utensils in a variety of sizes and shapes," advises Hughes. "Some people think that fat pencils are easier to hold, but that's not always true. For a child with weak hands, a smaller, shorter pencil might be easier to manage."
Basic Letter and Number Recognition
Kindergarten teachers believe that it is their responsibility to teach kids letter sounds and how to write, but they do hope incoming students can recognize most letters by sight. They also hope children can count to 10, identify numbers 1 to 5, and know some shapes and colors.
But teachers don't want you to quiz your child or use workbooks, flashcards, or phonics kits. "So much learning can happen without quizzing or sitting down with a pencil," says Isaacs. The lessons unfold naturally as you and your child sort Legos by color or shape. Your daughter practices counting as she doles out pretend cookies for the dolls in her tea party. Your son builds letter recognition while scrambling alphabet magnets on the fridge.
"Every outing is a spontaneous opportunity to learn," Isaacs adds. Play guessing games like, "I spy with my little eye something with the number 3." Teach by "immersion" and "show kids how letters are all around us," says Mosier. "Say, 'Hey, that spells K-Mart. Let's spell it together. K-M-A-R-T.'" Point out objects that contain the letters in your child's name.
Most important, always keep the focus on fun. "Relax, and enjoy your children," Mosier says. "Read, play, and go places. And talk the whole time you're doing it!"
Meet the Teachers
Armando Argandona has been teaching for 25 years. He is president-elect of the California Kindergarten Association and a master teacher for California State University at Domingus Hills. He teaches kindergarten at the Ford Boulevard School in East Los Angeles, CA.
Kim Hughes has been teaching PreK and kindergarten for 21 years. She serves on the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is a PreK/kindergarten teacher at Project Enlightenment, in Raleigh, NC.
Jayne C. Isaacs has been teaching kindergarten for 35 years and has served on her school district's Diversity Committee and Early Intervention Committee. She teaches kindergarten at the Great Plain School in Danbury, CT.
Lisa Mosier has been teaching 4- and 5-year-olds for 21 years. She received an award from the National Center for Learning Disabilities and currently teaches at the Frances Starms Early Childhood Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Sandra Waite-Stupiansky has taught kindergarten for the last 8 of her 27 years as a teacher. She is co-author of several Scholastic Learning Through Play books and teaches kindergarten at Edinboro University's Miller Laboratory School in Edinboro, PA.
Retrieved on July 16, 2009, from the Scholastic Web site (Parent & Child magazine). This site is filled with lots of useful information.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=701
By Ellen H. Parlapiano
Source: Parent & Child
If your child's preschool years are coming to an end, your thoughts are probably turning toward kindergarten. But is your child ready to move on to the "big" school? What skills do kindergarten teachers expect their new students to have? To help answer those questions (and ease your mind), we've asked highly regarded kindergarten teachers from around the country to share their insights on helping your child gain the right mix of kindergarten-readiness skills.
The skill sets they are looking for might surprise you. Because of the national focus on improving education and meeting standards, you might think that it's most important for children to enter kindergarten knowing their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and colors so they can keep up with the curriculum. While teachers would love children to come in with some letter and number recognition, they don't want you to drill your kids on academic skills. There are equally — if not more — important readiness skills that set the stage for your child's learning. Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved easily through play and day-to-day activities.What follows are the top readiness skills that kindergarten teachers look for.
Enthusiasm Toward Learning
"I look for those qualities that prime children to be successful in school," says Kim Hughes. Does the child approach learning enthusiastically? Is she eager to explore and discover? Does she ask questions, take initiative, and persist when tasks are difficult? "Parents can set aside a little time each day to investigate the world with their preschooler and answer those endless questions," says Sandra Waite-Stupiansky. As you drive or walk along in the park, point out your child's surroundings — the different trees or the various birds at the feeder. Demonstrate how things work. "You'll help your child develop beginning science skills — the ability to form a hypothesis, test it out, and come up with new questions and theories," Waite-Stupiansky explains. "The more kids notice, the more curious they'll become. And we'll be building on that curiosity in kindergarten."
Solid Oral-Language Skills
"Children need wide background knowledge about their world and the words to go with it," says Lisa Mosier. "I want to know where they've been and what they can talk about." You can help build language skills by taking your child to many new places and giving him words and descriptions for what he is seeing. At the zoo, explain, "There's a tiger. See how he has stripes and looks different from the lion?" Mosier says these experiences have a huge impact on literacy. "If you're reading a book about zoo animals and it says 'Look at the tiger,' and you can't tell the difference between a lion and a tiger, then you won't have the background knowledge to help you tackle the word. When children come to words that they don't know, they won't be able to make a good guess because it isn't in their vocabulary."
Research shows that one of the best predictors of later reading success is a well-developed oral vocabulary in kindergarten. "PreK kids are learning vocabulary at the rate of five to six words a day," says Waite-Stupiansky. "It's just amazing how they will retain words if you use them several times in context and conversation."
The Ability to Listen
Children's literature is a rich resource for expanding language. "We expect parents to be reading to kids every day," says Jayne C. Isaacs. "I can tell which children have been glued to the TV or computer for hours at a time. When we read them a story and ask them to tell us in their own words what they liked or remembered, they're unable to do so." Besides fostering vocabulary and comprehension, reading develops the attention skills necessary in a kindergarten classroom. "Listening is a key part of school behavior," Isaacs notes. Students must be able to concentrate on what the teacher is saying, listen carefully for directions, and tune in to the sounds in letters and words.
"The more animated you are as you read, the better you'll focus your child's attention on what she's hearing," says Armando Argandona. Use different voices for the characters. Promote critical thinking by asking questions like, "Why do you think that happened?" and "How would you feel if that happened to you?" and "What do you think will happen next?" Engage kids by inviting them to clap or stomp when they hear a rhyming word, and letting them finish sentences in familiar stories. Books with rhyme and repetitive refrains (like those by Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss) help kids predict what's coming and detect consonant sounds at the beginning and end of words, which fosters phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and break down the subtle sounds in words. Your child won't be able to read the word "cat" until she understands that it actually has three sounds: "cuh," "ah," and "tuh."
Singing fosters pre-reading skills too. "Take turns substituting new sounds in nursery rhymes and songs," suggests Mosier. For example, transform "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to "Dinkle Dinkle Dittle Dar" or "Zippety Doo Da" to "Bibbety Boo Bah."
The Desire to Be Independent
Encouraging self-help skills is an important step to preparing your child for kindergarten. "It's amazing how many kids come to kindergarten not knowing how to hang up a jacket," says Argandona. It might be quicker for you to do it, but "independence is critical for helping your child adjust to school," he emphasizes. Teachers expect children to:
• Get coats on and off and hang them up
• Follow simple two-step instructions such as "take off your boots and put on your sneakers"
• Go to the bathroom and wash their hands
• Blow their nose and cover their mouth when they cough
• Fasten and unfasten simple buttons and snaps
• Eat neatly and pour into a cup
• Open up a juice box and get the straw in.
"Some children are so dependent on their parents that they expect the teacher to do these things for them," says Hughes. "But when you have 20-plus kids in the room, it's hard to worry about wiping noses!" However, she notes that tying shoes is a developmental skill that often doesn't come until the first grade. If kids can't yet tie their shoes, Hughes suggests sending them in slip-ons or sneakers with Velcro fasteners.
The Ability to Play Well with Others
Your child will need your assistance refining essential social skills such as sharing, compromising, turn-taking, and problem-solving. "Children are naturally egocentric at this age, and we don't expect them to be able to share everything," says Waite-Stupiansky. "But by the time they reach kindergarten, they should be able to express their feelings in words and begin to understand that two people can use the same thing at the same time."
If you and your child are building with blocks and he reaches for one you're using, Hughes suggests you first encourage your child to ask, "May I have the block?" Then model sharing by saying something like, "I'm glad to share my block with you." When you notice your child sharing with others, celebrate it by saying, "I'm so proud of you. It's really hard to share your favorite doll, but you were able to do it. Good for you!"
On play dates and park outings, stay within earshot so you can help kids problem-solve when conflict occurs, Hughes recommends. If your son gets in a power struggle over a toy and can't seem to work it out, step in and say, "It looks like we're having a problem here. What can we do about it?" Encourage him to come up with possible solutions, offering your own suggestions, if necessary. "Help kids understand the feelings of others," says Hughes. "I want them to know when a friend is sad by looking at her face and seeing that her mouth is frowning or her eyes are crying." This nurtures compassion and empathy, values that are prized by kindergarten teachers.
Strong Fine-Motor Skills
Your child's hands must be strong enough to master coloring, cutting, pasting, and holding a pencil — fine-motor tasks that kids use every day in kindergarten. "By week one, we're already writing a letter of the alphabet," says Argandona. "If kids can't hold the pencil correctly, they will fall behind."
To hold the pencil the right way, kids need to develop the small muscles in their palms and fingers. Hughes suggests giving your child a pipe cleaner and some Cheerios (or similar, colorful cereal) to make bracelets. "It requires you to pinch with your fingers," she explains, the same motion needed for grasping a pencil. Or ask your preschooler to mist your houseplants with a spray bottle, an activity that boosts both writing and scissor skills. Scribbling in clay with fingers is a fun alternative to doing it on paper and especially helpful for kids who are resistant to writing and drawing. (A child can practice cutting the clay into small strips too.)
"Offer writing utensils in a variety of sizes and shapes," advises Hughes. "Some people think that fat pencils are easier to hold, but that's not always true. For a child with weak hands, a smaller, shorter pencil might be easier to manage."
Basic Letter and Number Recognition
Kindergarten teachers believe that it is their responsibility to teach kids letter sounds and how to write, but they do hope incoming students can recognize most letters by sight. They also hope children can count to 10, identify numbers 1 to 5, and know some shapes and colors.
But teachers don't want you to quiz your child or use workbooks, flashcards, or phonics kits. "So much learning can happen without quizzing or sitting down with a pencil," says Isaacs. The lessons unfold naturally as you and your child sort Legos by color or shape. Your daughter practices counting as she doles out pretend cookies for the dolls in her tea party. Your son builds letter recognition while scrambling alphabet magnets on the fridge.
"Every outing is a spontaneous opportunity to learn," Isaacs adds. Play guessing games like, "I spy with my little eye something with the number 3." Teach by "immersion" and "show kids how letters are all around us," says Mosier. "Say, 'Hey, that spells K-Mart. Let's spell it together. K-M-A-R-T.'" Point out objects that contain the letters in your child's name.
Most important, always keep the focus on fun. "Relax, and enjoy your children," Mosier says. "Read, play, and go places. And talk the whole time you're doing it!"
Meet the Teachers
Armando Argandona has been teaching for 25 years. He is president-elect of the California Kindergarten Association and a master teacher for California State University at Domingus Hills. He teaches kindergarten at the Ford Boulevard School in East Los Angeles, CA.
Kim Hughes has been teaching PreK and kindergarten for 21 years. She serves on the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is a PreK/kindergarten teacher at Project Enlightenment, in Raleigh, NC.
Jayne C. Isaacs has been teaching kindergarten for 35 years and has served on her school district's Diversity Committee and Early Intervention Committee. She teaches kindergarten at the Great Plain School in Danbury, CT.
Lisa Mosier has been teaching 4- and 5-year-olds for 21 years. She received an award from the National Center for Learning Disabilities and currently teaches at the Frances Starms Early Childhood Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Sandra Waite-Stupiansky has taught kindergarten for the last 8 of her 27 years as a teacher. She is co-author of several Scholastic Learning Through Play books and teaches kindergarten at Edinboro University's Miller Laboratory School in Edinboro, PA.
Retrieved on July 16, 2009, from the Scholastic Web site (Parent & Child magazine). This site is filled with lots of useful information.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=701
What Kindergarten Teachers Wish Parents Knew
Get inside tips on how to make the most of school.
By Steven Hicks
Each September, I look out at all the bright, new faces, anxiously waiting for me to create the miracle of knowledge. Some of them are relieved that the first day of kindergarten has finally arrived, while others are fearful of what lies ahead. There are big smiles, but also a few sniffles and tears. And these are the parents!
Kindergarten is an exciting and critical time in your child’s development and growth. You can play an important role in this wonderful journey. I’ve been an educator for 17 years and a preK and kindergarten teacher for the past decade. Here’s what I and my colleagues want parents to know:
For many children, kindergarten is the first experience away from home. Kindergarten teachers want to partner with parents to help children become expressive, confident, curious, cooperative, competent, independent and engaged learners. This is what kindergarten teachers wish parents knew. And now you do.
Author Information - Steven Hicks is a national board certified kindergarten teacher at The Accelerated School in Los Angeles, California.
This article was retrieved on July 6, 2005, from the Scholastic Web site (Family Matters section) - http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/kindergarten/teacherwish.htm
Get inside tips on how to make the most of school.
By Steven Hicks
Each September, I look out at all the bright, new faces, anxiously waiting for me to create the miracle of knowledge. Some of them are relieved that the first day of kindergarten has finally arrived, while others are fearful of what lies ahead. There are big smiles, but also a few sniffles and tears. And these are the parents!
Kindergarten is an exciting and critical time in your child’s development and growth. You can play an important role in this wonderful journey. I’ve been an educator for 17 years and a preK and kindergarten teacher for the past decade. Here’s what I and my colleagues want parents to know:
- Your job isn’t over when you drop your little one off at school; it has only just begun. I want to be your partner. Keep me informed about what goes on at home that might affect your child’s behavior or academic performance. Share with me how what we do at school affects him at home.
- This is not your grandfather’s kindergarten. Sadly, much of what we do in kindergarten is driven by high standards and preparation for standardized tests. The expectations of what children need to know when they enter kindergarten are closer to what used to be expected in first grade. To boost your child’s academic skills,
- Talk with her about what interests her.
- Encourage her to be curious and ask questions.
- Point out letters and numbers when you see them in books and around town.
- Support her in solving everyday problems.
- The more self-control your child has, the more successful he will be in school. Children need practice in deciding how and when to express their feelings and needs, and when and if to act on impulses. Help him develop and practice these skills at home before he tests them at school, where the consequences are a loss of learning for him and for others.
- We want you. Come in. Look around. Peruse the textbooks and materials. Knowledge is power. When you know about the subjects we teach, you will be able to help your child better and have a common understanding for discussion. Volunteering is a wonderful way to learn about what goes on at school and to show your child how much you care about what she is doing.
- Your child needs lots of opportunities for play outside of school. Play is the way in which he learns about himself and the people and world around him. But more often than not, play has been squeezed out of the school day. Playing both alone and in small groups helps facilitate learning and allows your child to practice skills and concepts. The best play activities are open-ended ones where he can use his imagination: play with sand and water, empty boxes, play dough, everyday household items, art materials, and construction toys. When he plays, your child makes discoveries and tries new things, solves problems, develops confidence, takes turns, shares, cooperates with others, and learns to negotiate. Play also encourages self-confidence and helps to develop communication skills.
- Reading to your child once a day is not enough. Try to read together at least three times a day. Books are the gateway to building vocabulary, learning about print, and developing listening and early literacy skills. When you read, talk about the book. Discuss the characters and setting, make predictions, and create new endings. Point out letters and words in the text, and encourage him to recognize rhyming sounds and words and to identify beginning and ending sounds. Let him retell the story from the pictures. As he begins to learn some words, encourage him to read with you.
- Writing exploration at home is critical. Your child needs to have opportunities to use pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, and other writing instruments as she attempts to express herself in written form. She begins with scribbles and lines, moves on to letters and her name, and then to words and sentences.
- Homework is an opportunity for talking, sharing and listening. Teachers give homework to extend the learning of the classroom. It is a chance for you to find out what your child is studying and how well he is grasping the skills and concepts being taught at school. Talk with your child about his homework. It shows him that you care and value what he does at school.
- Television and video games use up valuable playtime. Limit screen time. The hours spent with these electronic devises could otherwise be spent talking, reading, or actively learning through play.
- First-hand experiences are another teacher for your child. Take her to museums, the zoo, the aquarium, the library, parks, arts performances, and geographic locations such as the mountains, beach, forests, and deserts. And do it often. She’ll grasp concepts and skills better if she has experiences with the real thing.
- Your health habits influence your child. There is a direct correlation between good health and academic performance. You set the tone. When you model a balanced, healthy diet and lots of exercise, your child will come to value a healthy way of living.
For many children, kindergarten is the first experience away from home. Kindergarten teachers want to partner with parents to help children become expressive, confident, curious, cooperative, competent, independent and engaged learners. This is what kindergarten teachers wish parents knew. And now you do.
Author Information - Steven Hicks is a national board certified kindergarten teacher at The Accelerated School in Los Angeles, California.
This article was retrieved on July 6, 2005, from the Scholastic Web site (Family Matters section) - http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/kindergarten/teacherwish.htm
Fueled For Success - Smart eating habits can feed good grades as well as a strong body.
By Maureen P. Hegarty
The 1st and 2nd graders at Gribbin Elementary School in Glen Cove, New York, ooh and ah as "Tobe Fit" juggles a colorful assortment of rings, bottles, and fruit. Tobe, played by actor Mike Whitbeck, and his apprentice Johnny Junkfood, played by Eric Girardi, are the stars of Foodplay, a traveling theater show that teaches the why and how of healthy eating.
Using juggling, yo-yos, and humor, Foodplay has been spreading its message to parents, children, and educators for over 20 years. With today's alarming rise in childhood obesity, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, the lessons Foodplay teaches seem more important than ever. But even if your child is not at risk for disease, there is a good reason to be sure he eats right: good nutrition can help him do well in school.
Turn Brains On with Breakfast
The ideas Foodplay brings to life are the same ones touted by moms, doctors, and education researchers around the world. Lesson number one: breakfast is the food of champions, not just athletic stars, but academic ones too.
Your child needs to eat before school to have the energy to stay alert and thinking throughout the morning. Barbara Storper, a registered dietician and founder of Foodplay, sees many breakfast skippers when she performs for schoolchildren. She says that often these kids are tired and "unable to keep their heads up" by 11:00.
But breakfast is more than just a morning energy boost for kids. According to the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) at Baylor College of Medicine, eating breakfast can improve your child's memory, grades, school attendance, and punctuality. Breakfast eaters are also more likely to meet the daily recommendations for most vitamins and minerals, including iron, which has been shown to affect behavior and learning. In one study, children with low levels of iron had poorer math scores. Iron deficiency may not be the only reason for poor grades, but it's believed to influence your child's concentration, which affects test-taking and studying.
For a breakfast that delivers energy along with essential vitamins and minerals, avoid high-sugar cereals and high-fat foods like toaster pastries. One of the best choices is oatmeal, because it delivers a good mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. It may also boost your child's memory! A recent study comparing oatmeal eaters, cereal eaters, and breakfast skippers found that kids who started the day with oatmeal did better on memory-related tasks.
Short on time in the morning? Storper suggests reheating last night's leftovers! Spaghetti with meatballs or rice and chicken make a well- balanced meal anytime. See our smart recipes for more nutritious, easy-to- make meals and snacks.
The Amazing Mid-Day Meal
Making sure your child eats a healthy lunch at school may be more challenging than providing a good breakfast at home. But since he gets about one-third of his daily calories at lunch, it's important to find ways to make that meal nutritious.
What's so important about lunch? Again, your child needs energy, this time to get him through the afternoon. And even if he's not physically active, his brain needs to be fed. Glucose is the fuel that keeps the brain working. Researchers have found that learning tasks quickly deplete the brain's glucose store; a good lunch is required to replenish it.
Sugar is one source of glucose, but it's not a good one. With high-sugar foods like candy, it is easy to consume too much glucose, which will impair rather than enhance brain function. Chocolate and high-fat treats are especially poor choices because fat slows down the energizing effects of glucose. Plus, sugar carries loads of calories (which contributes to obesity) with no nutritional payoff.
If possible, send your child to school with a lunch from home. Turn lunch prep into a routine you do together the night before, just like homework, reading together, or bath time. Getting him involved in choosing and packing his lunch will help him learn to make healthy food choices. Plus, he's more likely to eat a lunch that he helped make.
The best brain-boosting glucose sources to pack in a lunchbox include: * Whole fruit & high fiber choices such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and raspberries are best * Canned fruit such as peaches or pineapples (look for ones packed in water or lightly sweetened) * Raw vegetables including spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, or mushrooms (include a small container of honey mustard or yogurt sauce for dipping) * Grilled or steamed vegetables * Legumes like beans, lentils, and non-fat refried beans * Whole grain products: whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, etc.
As for the main course, nutritious doesn't mean you have to change your child's tastes. Traditional sandwiches such as PB&J, turkey with a slice of cheese, tuna fish, or other lean proteins are perfect.
In addition to boosting your child's immune systems and helping him build strong muscles, lean proteins regulate the glucose he takes in, making it time-release so he can stay alert for the rest of the day.
What About Treats?
Storper and other experts don't recommend forbidding goodies. Most children can enjoy sugar, fat, and caffeine in moderation. But experts disagree on what constitutes moderation.
For example, some suggest limiting children to 100 milligrams of caffeine per day (equal to about three cans of cola). However, Storper and others say less caffeine is definitely better. The Canadian government has established age-specific recommendations: ages 4 to 6, no more than 45 mg; ages 7 to 9, no more than 65.2 mg; ages 10 to 12, no more than 85 mg.
To monitor your child's caffeine intake, check food and beverage labels. Products don't usually list caffeine as an ingredient, but unless they're marked "caffeine free," assume that soda (including root beer, citrus- flavored soda, and other non colas), iced tea, chocolate milk, semi-sweet and milk chocolate, and coffee flavored treats contain caffeine. ConsumerReports.org details the amount of caffeine in these and other products.
When talking about what is okay for most children, Storper reminds parents that not every child is like most children. She says, "It doesn't matter what the medical experts think if you see your child get hyperactive from eating Halloween candy." If you notice sensitivities to sugar, caffeine, milk products or other foods, limit your child's intake and talk to your pediatrician.
In addition to noting food sensitivities at home, consider whether food may affect your child at school. If your child's teacher is concerned about her concentration or behavior, for instance, ask your pediatrician whether dietary changes could make a difference.
Exercise for the Mind
When it comes to boosting your child's school performance, smart nutrition has a partner: physical fitness. The California Department of Education has found that children who are physically fit are more likely to have higher test scores.
The reasons why lead us back to the brain. The part of the brain that processes movement is the same part that processes learning, specifically memory, language, attention, spatial perception, and nonverbal cues.
These discoveries have inspired several states to boost school-based physical education programs. But to ensure your child is getting the exercise her body and mind needs, make active after-school plans for her. Whether the two of you go bike riding or she plays on a soccer team, follow Tobe Fit's advice: "Do something fun and active every day."
Equally important to teaching your child about eating right and exercising is showing him. Adopting a healthy lifestyle yourself will influence his habits forever.
Smart Recipes
Breakfast Together
Serves 2
1-2/3 cup of water
Pinch of salt 1 cup quick oats 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup cinnamon applesauce
2 packed teaspoons light brown sugar
* Mix water, salt, and oats in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
* Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the oatmeal is hot.
* Immediately stir in the applesauce, brown sugar, and dried cranberries or raisins.
* Pour the oatmeal into two cereal bowls.
Lunch: Brownbag Pocketwich & Sticks
Serves 1
1 regular-size whole-wheat pita
4 (1-ounce) slices turkey
4 (.75-ounce) slices reduced-fat American cheese
1 cup pre-bagged salad mix
1/2 cup sliced carrot sticks
2 tablespoons light ranch dressing
* Slice the pita in half.
* Into each half, stuff 2 slices of the turkey, 2 slices of the cheese and 1/2 cup of the salad.
* Store carrots in a plastic bag and the salad dressing in a small, sealed container, your child can dip his sticks for fun eating.
Extras: 1 low-fat granola bar, 1 cup 100% fruit juice
Dinner: Sweet Veggies with Ham & Rice
Serves 6
12 ounces cooked ham
3 medium sized onions
2 teaspoons pure vegetable oil
12 ounces long-grain brown rice
1 quart water
3 large parsnips
Juice of 1 orange
1 pound cooking apples
Sugar or honey to sweeten slightly
* Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook onions over a low heat until they are soft and golden.
* Add the rice and ham. Stir well.
* Add the water. Bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
* Cut carrots and parsnip into thin 2-inch strips and add to the rice.
* Add orange juice.
* Simmer until the liquid is gone. Then remove the lid, raise the heat slightly, and cook for a few minutes more, stirring occasionally.
* Season to taste with salt and pepper.
* Cut apples into wedges.
* Fill a smaller saucepan with water and cook the apples over medium-high heat for a few minutes until tender (don't allow the apples to fall apart).
* Drain apples and sweeten slightly with honey or sugar. Serve rice with apple slices in a border around it.
Snack: Crunchy Banana
Roll peeled bananas in fruit yogurt and crushed low-sugar cereal, then freeze.
Snack: Smoothie
Blend until smooth: 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 cups of favorite fruit, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1 cup of ice.
Source Link Retrieved on July 6, 2005, from the Scholastic Web site (Family Matters section). This site is filled with lots of useful information. http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/backtoschool/fueledtosucceed.htm
By Maureen P. Hegarty
The 1st and 2nd graders at Gribbin Elementary School in Glen Cove, New York, ooh and ah as "Tobe Fit" juggles a colorful assortment of rings, bottles, and fruit. Tobe, played by actor Mike Whitbeck, and his apprentice Johnny Junkfood, played by Eric Girardi, are the stars of Foodplay, a traveling theater show that teaches the why and how of healthy eating.
Using juggling, yo-yos, and humor, Foodplay has been spreading its message to parents, children, and educators for over 20 years. With today's alarming rise in childhood obesity, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, the lessons Foodplay teaches seem more important than ever. But even if your child is not at risk for disease, there is a good reason to be sure he eats right: good nutrition can help him do well in school.
Turn Brains On with Breakfast
The ideas Foodplay brings to life are the same ones touted by moms, doctors, and education researchers around the world. Lesson number one: breakfast is the food of champions, not just athletic stars, but academic ones too.
Your child needs to eat before school to have the energy to stay alert and thinking throughout the morning. Barbara Storper, a registered dietician and founder of Foodplay, sees many breakfast skippers when she performs for schoolchildren. She says that often these kids are tired and "unable to keep their heads up" by 11:00.
But breakfast is more than just a morning energy boost for kids. According to the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) at Baylor College of Medicine, eating breakfast can improve your child's memory, grades, school attendance, and punctuality. Breakfast eaters are also more likely to meet the daily recommendations for most vitamins and minerals, including iron, which has been shown to affect behavior and learning. In one study, children with low levels of iron had poorer math scores. Iron deficiency may not be the only reason for poor grades, but it's believed to influence your child's concentration, which affects test-taking and studying.
For a breakfast that delivers energy along with essential vitamins and minerals, avoid high-sugar cereals and high-fat foods like toaster pastries. One of the best choices is oatmeal, because it delivers a good mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. It may also boost your child's memory! A recent study comparing oatmeal eaters, cereal eaters, and breakfast skippers found that kids who started the day with oatmeal did better on memory-related tasks.
Short on time in the morning? Storper suggests reheating last night's leftovers! Spaghetti with meatballs or rice and chicken make a well- balanced meal anytime. See our smart recipes for more nutritious, easy-to- make meals and snacks.
The Amazing Mid-Day Meal
Making sure your child eats a healthy lunch at school may be more challenging than providing a good breakfast at home. But since he gets about one-third of his daily calories at lunch, it's important to find ways to make that meal nutritious.
What's so important about lunch? Again, your child needs energy, this time to get him through the afternoon. And even if he's not physically active, his brain needs to be fed. Glucose is the fuel that keeps the brain working. Researchers have found that learning tasks quickly deplete the brain's glucose store; a good lunch is required to replenish it.
Sugar is one source of glucose, but it's not a good one. With high-sugar foods like candy, it is easy to consume too much glucose, which will impair rather than enhance brain function. Chocolate and high-fat treats are especially poor choices because fat slows down the energizing effects of glucose. Plus, sugar carries loads of calories (which contributes to obesity) with no nutritional payoff.
If possible, send your child to school with a lunch from home. Turn lunch prep into a routine you do together the night before, just like homework, reading together, or bath time. Getting him involved in choosing and packing his lunch will help him learn to make healthy food choices. Plus, he's more likely to eat a lunch that he helped make.
The best brain-boosting glucose sources to pack in a lunchbox include: * Whole fruit & high fiber choices such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and raspberries are best * Canned fruit such as peaches or pineapples (look for ones packed in water or lightly sweetened) * Raw vegetables including spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, or mushrooms (include a small container of honey mustard or yogurt sauce for dipping) * Grilled or steamed vegetables * Legumes like beans, lentils, and non-fat refried beans * Whole grain products: whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, etc.
As for the main course, nutritious doesn't mean you have to change your child's tastes. Traditional sandwiches such as PB&J, turkey with a slice of cheese, tuna fish, or other lean proteins are perfect.
In addition to boosting your child's immune systems and helping him build strong muscles, lean proteins regulate the glucose he takes in, making it time-release so he can stay alert for the rest of the day.
What About Treats?
Storper and other experts don't recommend forbidding goodies. Most children can enjoy sugar, fat, and caffeine in moderation. But experts disagree on what constitutes moderation.
For example, some suggest limiting children to 100 milligrams of caffeine per day (equal to about three cans of cola). However, Storper and others say less caffeine is definitely better. The Canadian government has established age-specific recommendations: ages 4 to 6, no more than 45 mg; ages 7 to 9, no more than 65.2 mg; ages 10 to 12, no more than 85 mg.
To monitor your child's caffeine intake, check food and beverage labels. Products don't usually list caffeine as an ingredient, but unless they're marked "caffeine free," assume that soda (including root beer, citrus- flavored soda, and other non colas), iced tea, chocolate milk, semi-sweet and milk chocolate, and coffee flavored treats contain caffeine. ConsumerReports.org details the amount of caffeine in these and other products.
When talking about what is okay for most children, Storper reminds parents that not every child is like most children. She says, "It doesn't matter what the medical experts think if you see your child get hyperactive from eating Halloween candy." If you notice sensitivities to sugar, caffeine, milk products or other foods, limit your child's intake and talk to your pediatrician.
In addition to noting food sensitivities at home, consider whether food may affect your child at school. If your child's teacher is concerned about her concentration or behavior, for instance, ask your pediatrician whether dietary changes could make a difference.
Exercise for the Mind
When it comes to boosting your child's school performance, smart nutrition has a partner: physical fitness. The California Department of Education has found that children who are physically fit are more likely to have higher test scores.
The reasons why lead us back to the brain. The part of the brain that processes movement is the same part that processes learning, specifically memory, language, attention, spatial perception, and nonverbal cues.
These discoveries have inspired several states to boost school-based physical education programs. But to ensure your child is getting the exercise her body and mind needs, make active after-school plans for her. Whether the two of you go bike riding or she plays on a soccer team, follow Tobe Fit's advice: "Do something fun and active every day."
Equally important to teaching your child about eating right and exercising is showing him. Adopting a healthy lifestyle yourself will influence his habits forever.
Smart Recipes
Breakfast Together
Serves 2
1-2/3 cup of water
Pinch of salt 1 cup quick oats 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup cinnamon applesauce
2 packed teaspoons light brown sugar
* Mix water, salt, and oats in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
* Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the oatmeal is hot.
* Immediately stir in the applesauce, brown sugar, and dried cranberries or raisins.
* Pour the oatmeal into two cereal bowls.
Lunch: Brownbag Pocketwich & Sticks
Serves 1
1 regular-size whole-wheat pita
4 (1-ounce) slices turkey
4 (.75-ounce) slices reduced-fat American cheese
1 cup pre-bagged salad mix
1/2 cup sliced carrot sticks
2 tablespoons light ranch dressing
* Slice the pita in half.
* Into each half, stuff 2 slices of the turkey, 2 slices of the cheese and 1/2 cup of the salad.
* Store carrots in a plastic bag and the salad dressing in a small, sealed container, your child can dip his sticks for fun eating.
Extras: 1 low-fat granola bar, 1 cup 100% fruit juice
Dinner: Sweet Veggies with Ham & Rice
Serves 6
12 ounces cooked ham
3 medium sized onions
2 teaspoons pure vegetable oil
12 ounces long-grain brown rice
1 quart water
3 large parsnips
Juice of 1 orange
1 pound cooking apples
Sugar or honey to sweeten slightly
* Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook onions over a low heat until they are soft and golden.
* Add the rice and ham. Stir well.
* Add the water. Bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
* Cut carrots and parsnip into thin 2-inch strips and add to the rice.
* Add orange juice.
* Simmer until the liquid is gone. Then remove the lid, raise the heat slightly, and cook for a few minutes more, stirring occasionally.
* Season to taste with salt and pepper.
* Cut apples into wedges.
* Fill a smaller saucepan with water and cook the apples over medium-high heat for a few minutes until tender (don't allow the apples to fall apart).
* Drain apples and sweeten slightly with honey or sugar. Serve rice with apple slices in a border around it.
Snack: Crunchy Banana
Roll peeled bananas in fruit yogurt and crushed low-sugar cereal, then freeze.
Snack: Smoothie
Blend until smooth: 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 cups of favorite fruit, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1 cup of ice.
Source Link Retrieved on July 6, 2005, from the Scholastic Web site (Family Matters section). This site is filled with lots of useful information. http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/backtoschool/fueledtosucceed.htm