Nutrition-Related Early Learning Standards

When you take a moment to think about it, there are a ton of naturally-occurring learning opportunities in nutrition and cooking activities.  Here are just a few examples of early learning standards across the country that can be promoted during nutrition-related activities:

From Pennsylvania:

• Standard 10.1 PK.C: Identify foods that keep your body healthy.
  • Identify healthy and unhealthy foods.
  • Classify foods by food groups.
  • Make healthy food choices.

From California:

• Nutrition Choices 2.2: Indicate food preferences that reflect familial and cultural practices.
• Observation and Investigation 1.3: Begin to identify and use, with adult support, some observation and measurement tools.
• Documentation and Communication 2.1: Record observations or findings in various ways, with adult assistance, including pictures, words (dictated to adults), charts, journals, models, and photos.

From Oklahoma:

• S.3: Notice and describe similarities and differences among plants, animals, and objects.
• S.4: Share noticings and wonderings about the physical and natural world.
• S.6: Engage in investigations based on curiosity and wondering about the physical and natural world.

From Florida:

• Mathematical Thinking (Three-year-olds):
  • 5: Shows beginning understanding of spatial relationships and position words.
  • 7: Engages in activities that explore measurement.
• Scientific Thinking (Three-year-olds):
  • 1: Uses senses to collect information through observation and exploration.
  • 2: Begins to use simple tools for observing and investigation.

From Texas:

• A.2. Child shows understanding by following two-step oral directions and usually follows three-step directions.
• E.8. Child attempts to use new [English] vocabulary and grammar in speech (ELL).
• D.2. Child practices good habits of personal health and hygiene.

From Michigan:

• Social Studies 6: People and Their Environment. Children increase their understanding of the relationship between people and their environment and begin to recognize the importance of taking care of the resources in their environment.
• Health, Safety and Nutrition 8: Healthy Eating. Children become aware of and begin to develop nutritional habits that contribute to good health.

From New Hampshire:

• Nutrition: Try healthy foods from a variety of cultures when given the opportunity.
• Vocabulary development: Try healthy foods from a variety of cultures when given the opportunity.
• Representational process: Aware that some symbols represent words and numbers.

With some creative planning, activities that build nutrition awareness can also promote social skills, mathematical and scientific thinking, and cultural awareness.  Food is universal; everyone has experiences with food that they can share. Focusing on food and nutrition can support community-building efforts and strengthen children’s sense of identity.

Check out the rest of the newsletter for activity ideas you can use with children and families.

For the main article Exploring Healthy Foods, CLICK HERE

For the article Nutrition-Related Activity Ideas for Children, CLICK HERE

For the article Nutrition-Related Family Engagement Ideas, CLICK HERE

For the article Build a Nutrition Resource Library, CLICK HERE