Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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The local co-op is open for proposals for classes to teach this summer. I want to teach a class:). Since my degree is in child development and family studies, I'd like to teach a class that is related to childhood nutrition.

I don't have many ideas...I'm guessing the class would be about an hour. Parents and those that work with children, what type of child/family topics around nutrition would you like to see? I don't have a degree in nutrition, so I don't want to give advice on that.

A little background: I have a MS in Child Development and Family Studies, with a special focus on early development and community education, so I want to stick with something that I actually know about (basically, something that does not focus too much on the nutritional aspect because I am not an expert). I mean, I had some childhood nutrition training, but I don't think that makes me qualified to speak in-depth about it. Therefore, I am thinking about a class that draws attention to the behavioral aspect of eating. For example, helping children try new foods, introducing healthy foods, dealing with commercials that encourage "junk food"), helping children be involved in picking their meals, working on a small garden, using cooking together as an opportunity to promote language use in toddlers etc. Of course, I will bring up whole foods, variety, etc. But what else? Perhaps suggesting that they read a book to their child and then explore themes in the book through cooking and gardening? Suggesting project ideas?

Any ideas??? Something more FUN and less boring (than my ideas currently) please...

Edit: I just found out that I missed the summer deadline. So I'll be applying got teach a class in the fall. So any "fall themes" would be great as well. Thanks!

edited Apr 14 2012 at 21:52

asked Apr 14 2012 at 1:52

Sunny Beaches
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Maybe suggest going to farms and orchards so kids can see for themselves where food comes from and not think chicken breasts grow on trees – desi Apr 14 2012 at 13:03

Awesome! I didn't even think of that. Thank you. – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 18:54

Dragonfly · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-14 02:09:04Z UTC

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I like your ideas and I think you came up with this title yourself:

"Making Food Fun for your Toddler"

Give them maybe 5 ideas, with examples/demonstrations.

Maybe focus on preparation/presentation/languaging appropriate to that developmental period?

Have a handout with other ideas that you can't cover in an hour.

answered Apr 14 2012 at 2:09

Dragonfly
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Ooo, I love the idea of incorporating developmental appropriateness!! AWESOME. That gives me an idea of making healthy meals together using a variety of tools (e.g. spatula, rolling pin) to work on fine and gross motor skills, in addition to working on communication! Thanks! – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 2:13

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And no, I won't kids touching the stove or anything unsafe...just making a big mess in the kitchen, that's all:) – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 2:15

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Your title was very helpful. I just came up with more things to talk about based on that, such as sensory exploration with cooking and food. I wish I could up-vote this five times. – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 2:17

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*won't' have kids touching Sorry, I got too excited, haha. – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 2:17

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Cool! Also mentioning/showing simple silly stuff that parents can do to entice the kids like fried eggs with a smiley face, etc. – Dragonfly Apr 14 2012 at 2:21

show 2 more comments

Karen P. · Answer 2 · 2012-04-14 21:26:17Z UTC

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I second Dragonfly's suggestions, but just wanted to mention that Paleo Parents new book Eat Like a Dinosaur is a great resource for ideas and recipes. The recipes have a symbol next to each step that is kid appropriate.

answered Apr 14 2012 at 21:26

Karen P.
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Great book recommendation! Thanks! Boy, I love the people on this site:) – Sunny Beaches Apr 14 2012 at 21:53

HA · Answer 3 · 2012-04-14 21:33:21Z UTC

Definitely love the ideas above. I'd bring foods that I had already made that would be tasty to a little one, easy to make, and filled with nutrition. Maybe even have them break into groups and make them for themselves. Maybe have the kids "cook" for their parents?

I'd bring in some foods that are "child friendly" (chicken nuggets, goldfish crackers, etc.) and maybe make some sort of game about deciphering the ingredients, and then offer them alternatives.

I think many parents would like to do healthier foods, but don't know where to begin. Giving just one or two takeaway tricks can be a great gift.

legup · Answer 4 · 2012-04-15 02:01:00Z UTC

Having older kids, I would like to take a class that could show me some new lunch box ideas. I get bored making the same lunch every day, and sometimes just run out of creative and healthy ideas (that my kids will actually eat). I love the above ideas about involving the kids in prep/cooking/presentation. Good luck!

What type of class would parents and those that work with children like to attend?

4 Answers