NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1368393
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
Evaluating Perceptions of a Sensory-Based Nutrition Curriculum among Head Start Teachers in Mississippi
Huye, Holly F.; Bradford, LaShaundrea
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v46 n2 Fall 2022
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.
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/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Minority Health (OMH) (DHHS/PHS); National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mississippi
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Head Start
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1CPIMP1711610100; 5U54GM115428