These cards are an adaptation of Physical Activity and Healthy Snacks for Young Children from Iowa Team Nutrition which was funded by a United States Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition grant. The South Dakota Physical Activity and Healthy Snacks for Young Children was created by the South Dakota departments of Education, Health, and Social Services using Team Nutrition funds as well as other federal fund sources. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. These cards were printed by the South Dakota Department of Education at a cost of $2.97 each using Team Nutrition funds from USDA.
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Creative Arts
The books give you an opportunity to develop childrens reading readiness as well as to broaden their understanding and appreciation for a wide variety of foods.
Research shows that adults who are physically active reduce their health risk. Active adults report having learned motor and sport skills as children. Confidence and skill carry-over form childhood into adulthood and increases the chance of an active adult lifestyle. During childhood, nutrition and physical activity work together to create healthy bones. Both weight-bearing physical activity and good nutrition are necessary for healthy bones. Children who are inactive (sedentary) tend to remain inactive. Childhood inactivity may contribute to childhood obesity. Finally, motor skills and physical activity are important in our culture. STOP 8
Title
Zig Zag Toss Across Arrange the children in two lines facing each other:
Check the equipment before you begin so you can gather the materials you need for the activity.
STOP
The first child tosses the bean bag to the child across from them. That child tosses it to the next child in the opposite line, this continues till the bean bag gets to the end of the line. The last child runs to the first position in his/her line (if the lines are uneven in number have the child go to the end of the opposite line) and start the tossing again. Repeat. Hint: Say the name of the child tossing and catching so they are both ready before a toss. Chris, you are going to toss to Alex, Alex get ready to catch.
Placement of the children is described and shown in a figure. Small x represents the children, large represents the teacher.
Teaching hints
Put place marks on the floor for children to stand on while doing an activity to make best use of space. o Masking tape o Carpet squares o Make a circle with rope Replace a ball with a rolled up sock or balloon to protect indoor furniture. Use scarves or small pieces of cloth when using music to facilitate upper body movement. Use existing furniture to create an obstacle course creating an environment of moving around and under things but trying not to touch the items. Good activity for spatial awareness. Do activities while sitting such as running without your feet but with your arms, tossing a cloth piece or stretching. 10
Principles
The following principles were used to develop the activities on the cards: Children are naturally active, therefore we are fostering a normal behavior by using the activities on these cards. Each child is unique. Differences in motor skills within and between children are normal. This means that a child may find some skills easier than other skills. Each child will find some skills easy and other skills more difficult. Boys and girls are more alike than different when doing physical activities. Motor skills develop as a result of practice. Children participate in sports and physical activity to have fun, learn skills, and be with their friends. STOP
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Teaching Tips
Position yourself so you can see all the children. Use a signal to get the childrens attention. Teach the children to stop and listen when you give the signal. Have a few simple rules, for example: Listen and do Hands to yourself Be kind Be careful Use activities and equipment developed for the age and skill level of the children.
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13
Snap green beans Wash salad greens Play with utensils Bring ingredients from one place to another
3-year-olds can do what 2-year-olds can do plus: Wrap potatoes in foil for baking Mix ingredients Knead and shape yeast dough Shake liquids Pour liquids (not hot liquids) Spread soft spreads Place things in trash
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5- and 6- year olds can do all the above plus: Measure ingredients Cut with a blunt knife Use an egg beater *Source: Tips for Using the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children, p. 10. USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. www.usda.gov/cnpp
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16
Begin by explaining the difference between high and low. Moving high is tall, for example when we move up on our toes. Demonstrate by walking high (on your toes) and have the children practice. Moving low is short, for example when we move bending down. Demonstrate and have the children practice. Medium is between high and low. Medium is the way we usually move. Demonstrate and have the children practice. Most skills can be done high, medium or low. Ask the children to do the following skill at high, medium and low levels: run, jump, hop, slide, gallop (so that high, medium and low hopping come one after the other), balance, turn, and wiggle. Remember, hopping is jumping on one foot. Now pick from one level (for example, low) and vary the skill (e.g., slide, wiggle, hop). Switch quickly from one to the other, keeping the children moving. Sneaky snake is the lowest of all. It is when you crawl (belly on the floor). Add sneaky snake to the skills you are varying (e.g., skip high, wiggle medium, sneaky snake, run high)
Hint: Tell the children to move from one line or area to a specific place as they practice (for example, to the opposite line).
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Cooked Carrots
Serves 8
2 pounds carrots 1 cup water Peel carrots and cut into small pieces. Put carrots and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook carrots until tender (about 10 minutes). Serving size: cup cooked carrots.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Calories, 34; Fiber, 3 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving Suggestion: cup carrots with 1/8 cup non-fat cottage cheese and a glass of water.
Begin by explaining the signals for stop (red light) and go (green light). Have one child demonstrate stopping when you signal. The object of the game is to move from one side of a rectangle to the other side. However, children can move only when you say Go and must stand very still when you say Stop. During the go (green light) signal children should move as quickly as possible! Once all children reach the opposite side they wait for your signal. Upon your signal they walk back to the start. The game begins again. To make the game more challenging for older children, try changing signals often and quickly or use only the stop/go sign. For younger children use both a visual (the sign or your hand) and verbal signal (saying green light or red light). STOP
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2 cups oat bran cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 mashed banana cup applesauce
2 tablespoons raisins, dates or other dried fruit 1 egg cup orange juice cup skim milk 2 tablespoons canola oil
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix the first four dry ingredients. Set aside. Mix the egg with the orange juice, milk, and oil. Mix fruit and blend with dry ingredients. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry until moist. Spray muffin tin with a non-stick coating. Pour batter into muffin tins. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Remove muffins from pan after 10 minutes. Cool on a rack. Serving size is one muffin. Makes 12 muffins.
Recipe from Food Stamp Nutrition Connection Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Calories, 119; Fiber, 3.4 g; Total Fat, 3.9 g; Sat. Fat, .7 g. Serving suggestion: 1 muffin with cup skim milk.
Animal Walks
No equipment Arrange the children on a long line facing you.
X X X X X
Ask the children Who can show me how (insert animal name) walks? If a child volunteers allow them to demonstrate. If what the child does is close to the description, have the other children copy. If the demonstration is not close, demonstrate another way to show how that animal might walk. You can also demonstrate or cue by using the descriptions below. Repeat with the animals running, with each child selecting their favorite, adding their own animals and so forth. Kangaroo (jumping while holding hands near chest with fingers forward) Monkey (walking with hand on ground) Pony (galloping or trotting with all fours) Giraffe (lift arms above head pretending this is the neck and head, then slide to move across the area) Squirrel (running, darting and dodging, quick head movements during short stops) 22
Hummus Sandwich
Serves 8
2 cups hummus (prepare from recipe card, page 83 or purchase pre-made) cup green pepper cup tomato cup lettuce cup cucumber 4 slices of whole wheat bread Make hummus (see recipe card) or purchase hummus at the store. Cut green pepper, tomato, lettuce and cucumber into tiny pieces. Toast enough whole wheat bread for each child to have slice of toast. Spread 1/4 cup hummus on each slice of toast. Let the children decorate their piece of toast with the small cut up pieces of vegetables.
Provides 1 grain/bread and 1 meat/meat alternative for CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Calories, 144; Fiber, 5.2 g; Total Fat, 6.6 g; Saturated Fat, 1 g. Serving suggestion: Hummus Sandwich with a glass of water.
X X X
The first child tosses the bean bag to the child across from them. That child tosses it to the next child in the opposite line, this continues until the bean bag gets to the end of the line. The last child runs to the first position in his/her line (if the lines are uneven in number have the child go to the end of the opposite line) and start the tossing again. Repeat.
Hint: Say the name of the child tossing and catching so they are both ready before a toss. Chris, you are going to toss to Alex. Alex get ready to catch.
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Squash Soup
Serves 7
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled & cut into chunks 4 cups low-sodium, low-fat vegetable broth 1 1/4 cup non-fat sour cream
Combine the squash and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the squash is very tender. Let cool, and then puree the mixture in a blender. Return the puree to the saucepan and turn the heat to medium low. Stir in the non-fat sour cream along with the olive oil, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir until heated through (do not boil).
Recipe adapted from CDC Fruits & Veggies More Matters website
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Calories, 173; Fiber, 2 g; Total Fat, 9.8 g; Saturated Fat, 4.1 g. Serving suggestion: A bowl of soup with a whole grain plain rice cake and a glass of water.
Suggested Reading Guri and Guras Special Gift by Rieko Nakagawa & Yuriko Yamawaki
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Betsy is a frog in the book Hop, Jump (by Ellen S. Walsh, 1993, Harcourt, Brace & Co). This activity copies Betsys movements, and allows the children to create movements of their own. Betsy watches the other frogs hop and jump, but she wants to try other movements. At first the other frogs say no room for dancing, but after watching her, they try dancing and like it. Then they say no room for hopping and jumping, but Betsy tells us there is room for everyone. Begin by jumping forward (jumping is with both feet at the same time). Try short quick jumps, long jumps and jumps up into the air. Next try hopping (jumping on one foot at a time, several hops at a time). Repeat on the other foot. Betsy leaped (long running step) and did twisting and turning. Show the children leaping, have them try. Repeat with several turns. Betsy and the frogs began to dance combining jumps, hops, turns, leaps and other movements. Expand by having everyone hop-jump while one person dances, reverse. STOP 26
Shred 2 cups peeled carrots and toss with 1 cup raisins. Stir in 1/3 cup mayonnaise, cup skim milk and serve.
Recipe from Cooking with WIC Foods Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Calories, 99; Fiber, 1 g; Total Fat, .1 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: cup salad with cup skim milk.
Jump with both feet down (along) the line. Jump over the line, turn and jump back over the line, repeat. Jump from side to side over the line. Jump forward and backward over the line. Jump high over the line. Repeat several times. Allow children to demonstrate or lead jumping by selecting one of the ways to jump. Expand: Arrange children in a line, the first child is the leader who selects a way of jumping. The other children follow. You can be the leader too. STOP
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Suggested Reading One Cool Watermelon by Hannah Tofts and Rupert Horrox 29
Toss Up
1 6-8 inch foam ball Marking for circle (polyspots, chalk) Arrange the children on a long line facing you.
Each child should have a special spot (their own spot) on the large and small circles. Practice moving from the special spot on the small circle to the special spot on the large circle. The spots should be a straight line moving from the inner (smaller) circle to the outer (larger circle). You will count one, two, three aloud and after three say one of the childrens names. As you say a childs name toss the ball into the air (straight up). The child whose name you called runs to the center and catches the ball. The other children run to their special spot on the outside circle. Once the center child has gained control of the ball, you move to the small circle as do all the other children. The game continues until all children have been in the center. Repeat. STOP 30
Pretzel Shapes
Serves 12
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, add honey, and let set for a few minutes. In a large mixing bowl, measure flour and salt. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture and stir until its forms a smooth ball. Add a little more flour if the dough is sticky. Knead dough on countertop until it forms a smooth ball. Add a little flour if dough is sticky. Divide dough into 12 pieces about the size of a walnut. Roll each ball into a snake then twist to make a pretzel, letter or other fun shape. Place pretzels on a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Recipe from Food Stamp Nutrition Connection. Recipe adapted from Kids a Cookin. Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 54; Fiber, .5 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0g. Serving Suggestion: One pretzel with cup Country Limas (see recipe card).
Munchie Crunch
Spread a whole grain rice cake with a tablespoon of peanut butter. On top of peanut butter, place 1/8 cup of thin slices of banana, grapes, apples, kiwi, and strawberries.
Provides 1 grain/bread and 1 meat/meat alternate for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 175; Fiber, 2.4 g; Total Fat, 8.2 g; Saturated Fat, 1.7 g. Serving suggestion: Serve 1 Munchie Crunch rice cake with a glass of water.
Suggested Reading 100 Hungry Ants by Elinor J Pinczes and Bonnie MacKain 33
Seven Jumps
Music Arrange the children in a circle; they can hold hands facing right which will have them move counterclockwise. Choose music with a lively beat (polka, two-step, march, etc).
Start the music. Move around the circle (slide, skip, gallop, fast walk, or run). Stop the music. Everyone will touch one knee to the floor for 10 counts, then stand. Start the music and move in the opposite direction around the circle. Stop the music. Touch one knee to the floor for 5 counts, the other knee touches the floor for 10 counts, then stand. Start the music and move the opposite direction. This movement continues and each round add a body part as follows: Knee Knee Other Knee Elbow Other Elbow Stomach Back Forehead 34
Spray light coating of cooking oil or water on 5 whole wheat tortillas. Sprinkle herb mixture on the tortillas. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Spread in one layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until crispy.
Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 80; Fiber, .8 g; Total Fat,1.7 g; Saturated Fat, .4 g. Serving suggestion: 4 chips with Hummus or Zippy Bean Dip (see recipe cards) and a glass of water.
Locomotor Skills
No equipment
X
Arrange the children in a scatter formation so all children can see you.
X X
Locomotor skills are walking, running, jumping, hopping, galloping, sliding and skipping. Hopping is a jump taking off from one foot and landing on that foot. In galloping the same foot is always in the front (leading). Skipping is step-hop, step-hop. Have children move around the area using each skill. Emphasize moving under control, so children dont fall or bump into each other. Begin with walking, then progress to running, jumping and so forth. The skills listed become progressively more difficult. You may have to help by holding a childs hand hopping or demonstrating and practicing sliding, galloping or skipping. Children begin these skills at the following ages: walk (12 mo.), run, hop & jump (24 mo.), gallop, slide & skip (36 mo.). STOP 36
Bread Sticks
16 servings
Homemade bread sticks are easy to make. Thaw according to package directions 1 pound loaf of frozen whole wheat bread dough. Cut dough into 16 equal pieces and stretch each piece into a 6 rope. Brush bread ropes with egg substitute, water, or milk. Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with any of the variations below. Allow bread sticks to rise in a warm, draft-free location until double in size, about 1 hour. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove bread sticks from baking sheet immediately. Sprinkle variations: Sprinkle one of the following on bread sticks before baking: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, garlic, or other flavored salt.
Recipe modified from Whats Cookin II Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 63; Fiber, 1.8 g; Total Fat, 1.1 g; Saturated Fat, .2 g; Serving suggestion: One bread stick with cup skim milk.
Parachute
A parachute, sheet or blanket. Arrange the children on a long line facing you.
Space the children around the edge of a parachute or other sturdy fabric (for example a sheet). Spread out adults among the children, if there is more than one adult. Everyone should stand facing the center and grasp the parachute with both hands. First, hold the parachute still by not moving the hands or arms. Next, wiggle the parachute using small arm and hand movements. Do this for 30 seconds and stop. Try big wiggles by moving the arm and shoulders up and down for 30 seconds then stop. Switch back and forth between big and little wiggles for 60 seconds. Raise the parachute above the childrens heads then lower it to waist height. Repeat this several times. Raise the parachute again, but lower it to the ground. Repeat several times. When the parachute is raised higher, have a child you name run under it and then back to his/her original position. Repeat until all children have had a turn. Expand by having children run around the outside and back to his/her original position. 38
Fruit Salad
Serves 12
1 cups sliced bananas 1 cups sliced apples 1 cups sliced oranges 1 cups pineapple chunks cup blueberries cup sliced kiwi 3 cups low-fat plain yogurt cup lemon juice Slice fruit into small pieces and toss banana and apple slice in lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. Remove apples and bananas from lemon juice and discard lemon juice. Stir all fruit together and serve cup fruit salad on top of cup non-fat yogurt per child.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable and 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 87; Fiber, 1.8 g; Total Fat, 1.1 g; Saturated Fat, .6 g. Serving suggestion: cup fruit salad with a glass of water.
The children throw (overhand) the objects as far as possible. On your signal all the children run and pick-up their object. Children return to the starting position and repeat. Emphasize throwing far and waiting for your signal before going after the objects. STOP
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1 15-ounce can refried beans 1 teaspoon chili powder cup tomato, chopped 1 tablespoon canned, chopped, green chilies
teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup plain yogurt cup sliced green onion (or teaspoon onion powder) cup shredded cheese
Blend together refried beans with chili powder, tomato, green chilies, and garlic powder. Mix well and combine with yogurt until well blended. Each child receives 1/4 cup. Garnish with sliced green onion and shredded cheese.
Recipe adapted from Cooking with WIC Foods Provides 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 62; Fiber, 2.1 g; Total Fat, 1.5 g; Saturated Fat, .8 g. Serving suggestion: 1/4 cup Zippy Bean Dip with baked tortilla chips (see recipe card) and a glass of water.
Suggested Reading Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV by Stan and Jan Berenstain 41
Moving to Music
Music the children like Arrange the children in a scatter formation
X X X X
Describe sharp movements as a way to move the body to make lines, corners, and angles. Demonstrate by making your arms straight then angled by rapidly and forcefully bending your elbows. Ask the children to move their arms in sharp movements. Ask the children to move other body parts with sharp movements (ankles, waist, hands, etc.) Describe smooth movements as the way that has circles, turns, and doesnt stop. Demonstrate by swinging your arms in circles. Ask the children to move their arms in smooth movements. Ask the children to move their whole body in smooth movements as you demonstrate turning, bending, swaying all smoothly. Turn on the music and ask the children to move to the music. Remind the children to move using smooth or sharp movements. 42
Suggested Reading Eating the Alphabet: Fruit and Vegetables from A to Z by Lois Ehlert 43
Ask the children how they think turtles and rabbits move. Explain that turtles move slowly and rabbits move very fast. Ask the children to move slow. Once they can demonstrate slow, ask them to demonstrate fast. To play the game you will call out turtle or rabbit. When you say turtle the children move slowly and continuously until you say rabbit. When you say rabbit the children move fast until you say turtle. Repeat alternating rabbit and turtle. Focus the children on listening and following directions. The point of the game is for the children to move all the time (either fast or slow). STOP 44
Country Limas
Serves 6
8 ounces dried Lima or Great Northern beans 1 small onion, cut into inch slices cup tomato juice 2 tablespoons light molasses 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili sauce 1 teaspoon salt teaspoon dry mustard 2 tablespoons imitation bacon
Heat beans and enough water to cover to boiling; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. If needed add more water to cover beans. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes (do not boil or beans will burst). Drain beans, reserving liquid. Layer beans and onion in ungreased 1-1/2 quart casserole. Mix tomato juice, molasses, brown sugar, chili sauce, salt, and mustard; pour over beans. Add enough reserved bean liquid to cover. Cover and cook in 300-degree oven 1 hour. Stir in imitation bacon.
Recipe from Cooking with WIC Foods Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 175; Fiber, 7.7 g; Total Fat, .6 g; Sat. Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: cup Country Limas with cup skim milk.
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Happy Crabs
No equipment Divide the children equally and arrange them on three of the four sides of a large square. X X XX Crabs move by walking sideways on their long and bent legs. The children are going to pretend to be crabs. Begin by sitting on the ground with legs extended, knees bent and feet on the ground. Arms are extended behind with hands on the ground. Lift bottom off of the floor by walking hands and feet forwards, sideways, and backwards. Name each site of the square a color (blue crabs, white crabs, silver crabs). The open side of the square is the crab trap. You will say Blue crabs to the crab trap and the blue crabs will crab walk to the open side. Continue by moving the white crabs around to the new open traps. Repeat. STOP 46 XX Crab trap
Blueberry Smoothie
Serves 4
If using frozen blueberries, slightly thaw. In the container of an electric blender, combine berries, juice, yogurt, and sugar. Blend until smooth, about one minute. Serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable and 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 129; Fiber, 2.2 g; Total Fat, 1.3 g; Saturated Fat, .5 g. th Serving suggestion: Blueberry Smoothie (1/4 of recipe) with 1/3 cup bite size shredded wheat on the side.
Non-locomotor Skills
No equipment Arrange the children in scatter formation.
Remind the children to stay in their special spot (where they are). Non-locomotor skills are movements which are done without changing locations. Generally, feet are still. Nonlocomotor skills can usually be done with one body part (the arm) or the whole body. Ask the children to do the following movements, if they do not know what to do, demonstrate. * twist * bend * balance * shake * sway * stretch * lean * wiggle * swing * curl Vary the movement by asking them to move only one arm or leg instead of the whole body.
spots, avail Hint: Chalk lines, tape marks, carpet squares or polyspots (plastic available at school supply stores) help children find and stay in their special spot.
STOP
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16 oz can black beans rinsed and drained 2 cups whole kernel corn cup chopped green pepper cup chopped onion
Dressing 1 cup salsa cup chopped parsley 1 teaspoon crushed fresh garlic 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Mix beans, corn, pepper and onion in a large bowl. Combine dressing ingredients in small bowl and mix well. Stir into vegetable mixture. Cover and chill before serving.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 128; Fiber, 3.2 g; Total Fat, .6 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: cup Black Bean Salad and homemade tortilla chips (see recipe card).
Fitness March
Marching Music Arrange the children in 1-2 lines facing front (i.e. the children should be in a line as if waiting to walk in line somewhere).
XXXX XXXX
Play the music and march. Encourage high steps with the knees lifted up on each step. Encourage moving the arms vigorously in a pattern opposite to the legs. Begin with you as the leader. March around the area in various patterns (lines, zig-zags, circles, etc.). Then allow a child to be the leader. Switch leaders often.
STOP
50
1 cup pasta shapes uncooked (look for fun and colorful shapes) 3 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic minced or tsp garlic powder
4 cups cooked broccoli pieces cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste if desired
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. In a large skillet heat oil and saut garlic until golden brown and remove from oil. Or just add garlic powder to the oil. Add broccoli to oil remaining in skillet, stirring for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Turn onto a platter with pasta. Sprinkle with cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Recipe from Connecticut Cooks for Kids Provides 1 fruit/vegetable and 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 139; Fiber, 2.8 g; Total Fat, 8.2 g; Sat. Fat, 2.4 g. Serving suggestion: Pasta and trees (1/6 of recipe) with a glass of water.
The objective of this activity is to practice and develop an efficient over arm throwing pattern. The best way to do this is to encourage children to throw hard or far. Do not use a target. Hold the bean bag in the preferred hand, throw as far as possible. Retrieve the bean bags after the signal and repeat. Look for and encourage children to: Take a big step Step on the opposite foot from the throwing arm Begin by taking the bean bag in a backward and downward circle Throwing is important in many activities: provide as much practice as possible. 52
Tropical Freeze
Serves 8
In the container of an electric blender, combine banana, strawberries, mango, orange juice, and ice. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately. Variation: Use 100% cranberry juice instead of orange juice
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 50; Fiber, 1.3 g; Total Fat .3 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: Glass of Tropical Freeze (1/8 of recipe) with homemade bagel chips (see recipe card).
Arrange the children in groups of 2-3 with a laundry basket, one group near each cone. This activity is easier on a smooth surface, for example, a tile floor. Describe and walk through the route marked by cones. One child will sit in the basket; two other children will push the basket with the child inside. Call out laundry basket upset, which means the child in the basket will get out. One of the pushers will move into the basket and the pushing will begin again. Repeat several times until all children have several turns pushing and riding.
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 pound broccoli (after peeling stems) 3 tablespoon orange juice
Cook sesame seeds in small pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, shaking pan occasionally. Cut broccoli into florets. Peel stalks and slice diagonally. Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes or until tender crisp. Combine orange juice, oil, soy sauce, and ginger. Toss with broccoli. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chilled.
Recipe from A Cookbook Collection from around the World Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 59; Fiber, 2.2 g; Total Fat, 3.3 g; Saturated Fat, .5 g. Serving suggestion: cup Seeds and Trees with cup brown rice and a glass of water.
X X
The movements for this work-out are shaking (a leg, one arm, two arms, or your head), punching arms alternately forward (vigorously extend and bend arms with fists held the whole time) and rolling (lay on the ground or floor, roll from back to stomach and back). Do each movement at least 8 times to the music (for 8 to 16 counts depending on the music). For younger children repeat each movement more times, for older children change the type of movement more often. Running in place can be inserted between shakes, punches, and rolls.
Hint: Select music the children enjoy.
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3 cups chopped tomatoes 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder teaspoon dried basil
teaspoon dried oregano teaspoon dried parsley teaspoon fennel seed 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Serve over cooked pasta. The sauce can be made ahead of time and put in the refrigerator and heated again at snack time.
Recipe from Food, Family and Fun: A Seasonal Guide to Healthy Eating Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 44; Fiber, 2.0 g; Total Fat, .5 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: Serve with cup whole wheat spaghetti or other whole grain pasta.
The objective of this activity is to practice and develop catching skills. Catching progresses in the following order: Sitting with legs spread, stop a rolled ball While standing, stop a rolled ball (roll the ball slowly, directed to the child) While standing with arms extended and palms up, capture a foam ball tossed (in an arch) directly to the hands from a distance of about ten feet. Repeat above using a bean bag. Standing watching a spot on the floor, catch a bounced ball (toss the ball so it bounces on the spot the child is watching). Catch a foam ball tossed in the general direction of the child (progress to bean bag). Practice each skill, once that skill is mastered, move on to the next skill. 58
2 cups potatoes, pared and cubed 3 cups water 2 onions, sliced thin
Simmer potatoes in water until tender. Add onions sprinkled with flour as potatoes begin to soften. Stir in salt and skim milk. Simmer slowly to blend flavors and serve in heated bowls.
Recipe from Cooking with WIC Foods Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 104; Fiber, 1.7 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, .2 g. Serving suggestion: 1 bowl of Potato Onion Soup (1/4 recipe) with low-fat whole grain crackers and water.
Kicking Fun
1 crushed newspaper ball per child Arrange the children on one line facing a long open area.
The objective of this activity is to practice and develop kicking skill. Kicking progresses in the following order: 1. Push a newspaper forward with foot. 2. Swing leg and contact newspaper ball with foot. 3. Take one step and kick newspaper ball with foot. 4. Take two or more steps and kick newspaper ball with foot. 5. Run, take a large step (which lifts child off the ground), kick newspaper ball with foot. Practice each skill and then once that skill is mastered, move onto the next skill. Once the child has mastered steps 1-3 with a paper ball, use a foam ball, then a playground ball.
Caution: Children may step on a real ball and fall.
STOP
60
2 cups (1 pound) pinto beans, dry 1/3 medium onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Rinse beans removing any pebbles. Place beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover beans and soak overnight or boil 3 minutes and then soak 1 to 2 hours. Drain water, rinse beans, and set aside. Add 10 cups fresh water to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add beans. Wash, peel, and chop onion and garlic and add to beans. Cook with the lid on for 1 to 2 hours until beans are tender. If water level gets too low, add 1 cup boiling water at a time to make sure beans are covered. Add salt, chili pepper, and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 15 more minutes. Remove from heat. Mash beans and serve.
Recipe from Stretch Your Food Dollars Provides 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 41; Fiber, 1.8 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: 1/8 cup refried beans on of a whole-wheat tortilla and roll it up into a mini burrito.
Suggested Reading I Will Never, Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
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Baby Handball
1 crushed newspaper ball per child, several foam or playground beach balls 2 4x4 foot areas marked Arrange the children one line facing a long open area. XX XXX
The objective of this activity is to practice and develop striking skill. Striking begins with the hand. Older children can strike with an extension (a racquet or bat). With the ball resting on the ground, hit the ball with either hand. Move the ball from one side of the area to the opposite side and back. Repeat several times. Arrange the children in a scatter formation with balls scattered on the floor. Ask the children to put the balls in one area by striking the ball(s) with the hand. When all the balls are in that area, ask them to move the balls back to the other area. Repeat.
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Spanish Rice
Serves 12
1 cup regular rice, uncooked 1 cups water 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
In a large skillet or pot, combine water, rice, margarine, and tomato sauce and stir. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Stir occasionally. Cook for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.
Recipe from Stretch Your Food Dollars Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 74; Fiber, .6 g; Total Fat 1 g; Saturated Fat, .2 g. Serving suggestion: 1/3 cup Spanish Rice with cup of pineapple tidbits and a glass of water.
Rollie Pollie
1 tennis or other small ball per child Markers for spots (polyspots, chalk) Arrange the children in one long line facing an open area.
Present the following challenges to the children: Sit, rolling the ball forward using one or two hands to push the ball. While standing, make the ball move on the ground sloooowly (demonstrate). Walk forward and roll the ballthe ball should be on the ground as it rolls. Roll the ball over a spot. Roll the ball at a spot, try to make it stop on the spot. Roll the ball up and let it bounce. Toss the ball and catch it (start with very small tosses). Toss the ball from hand to hand. Toss the ball to a partner. As each skill is mastered, move to the next skill. STOP 64
Baked Beans
Serves 5 (1/2 cup each)
cup ketchup 2 tablespoon brown sugar 1 cup navy beans, dry Cook beans according to package directions. In small (1 quart) casserole dish, combine beans, ketchup, and brown sugar. Cover and bake at 350 until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Recipe from Eat Smart. Play Hard. Healthy Lifestyles website
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 173; Fiber, 10.2 g; Total Fat, .7 g; Sat. Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: cup Baked Beans with cup skim milk.
Thunderbumper
4-6 year olds 1 8.5 playground ball per child Arrange the children in a scatter formation, facing an open area.
The objective is to practice bouncing, with the long-term goal of dribbling the ball. Present the challenges in order, giving a new challenge as children master each skill: Bounce and catch your ball with both hands. Toss your ball, let it bounce and catch ituse both hands. Bounce and catch your ball with both hands 3 times in a row. Drop your ball and bounce it with one hand. Bounce your ball with one hand, catch it with two. Drop your ball, bounce it with one hand two times in a row. Bounce your ball as many times as you can. Encourage children to try both hands. STOP 66
Sunshine Smiles
Serves 12 (1/2 cup each)
1 cup 100% orange juice 2 cups chopped apples 2 cups orange sections 2 cups sliced bananas Place cut up fruit in a large bowl. Pour in orange juice and stir to cover all fruit to prevent browning. Chill or serve immediately.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP for Snack for 3-5 year olds Calories, 70; Fiber, 1.9 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: cup Sunshine Smiles with low-fat whole grain crackers and water.
Ball Stations
Bean bags 8.5 foam balls Polyspots or other markers 1 cone Arrange the children according to the diagram.
The objective is independent practice of manipulative skills. Station 1. Station 2. Station 3. Station 4. Kicking for distance. Throwing the bean bag for distance. Striking the ball with the hand from a cone. Catchingteacher tosses to the children.
3. Striking
1. Kicking
Describe and demonstrate the stations. Divide children among stations. Have children practice at a station. Rotate children among all stations. STOP
4. Catching
2. Throwing
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Safari Soup
Canned bean soup can be a great snack when you dont have time to cook bean soup from scratch. Look for soups that are low in sodium. Follow the directions on the can of soup for preparation and heating directions. To incorporate a healthy snack into the imaginations of the children and to make the snack seem interesting and fun, you could include the healthy snack in creative adventure time. One possibility would be to go on safari with the children by setting up an excursion to a far away place in the backyard. A sandbox could be part of a desert; the trees could be cactuses, a wading pool could be a pond at an oasis in the desert and a shade tent could be put over a picnic table for a restaurant in the desert that serves bean soup, whole wheat crackers and water. While eating the children could watch for wildlife (birds, squirrels, rabbits, butterflies, and ants).
Calories, 40; Fiber, 1.6 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g 1/2 cup of Bean soup would provide the equivalent of 1/4 cup of meat/meat alternative which would meet the CACFP Snack for 3-5 year olds. Serving suggestion: 1/2 cup bean soup with .4 ounces of whole grain Melba Toast (about 3 pieces)
Streamers
1 36 ribbon, plastic or crepe 1 Paper streamer per child Arrange the children in a circle each with a streamer.
Demonstrate and have the children practice the following movements: Circles: to the side, in front, overhead, to the other side. Squiggles: quickly wiggle the streamer, try it high and low. Figure 8: connect two circles, using a smooth motion. Snapping to the beat: moving the wrist, snap the streamer in a hammering motion. Combine the various movements, do them while you walk, follow-the-leader, or put them to music.
70 70
Zippity Do
1/3-cup bite size shredded wheat per child cup applesauce without added sugar per child
Children can eat the bite size shredded wheat by itself or dip it into the applesauce for a fondue type snack.
Provides 1 grain/bread and 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 130; Fiber, 3.4 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: 1/3 shredded wheat with cup nonsweetened applesauce and a glass of water.
Hoops
1 hoop1 per child (2430) Arrange the children in a scatter formation with a hoop.
Present the following challenges: With your hoop on the floor, walk around your hoop (repeat running, hopping, skipping). Jump into your hoop, now out. Repeat. Balance with one leg in the hoop and one out of the hoop Balance with two feet out and two hands in the hoop. Stand under your hoop, beside your hoop, in front, and behind. Go through your hoop. Roll your hoop. Throw your hoop.
1
Non-skid carpet squares can be used for many of these if you do not have hoops. 72
3 Bean Salad
Serves 12
1 cups canned kidney beans, drained 1 cups wax beans, drained 3 cups canned cut green beans, drained cup white or red onions, chopped cup + 2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped 1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon dried basil teaspoon ground black or white pepper teaspoon garlic powder
Rinse kidney beans in cold water and drain well. Combine kidney beans, wax beans, green beans, onions, and green pepper and set aside. To make the dressing, combine vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, basil, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix or shake the dressing in a jar until well blended. Pour dressing over beans. Toss lightly to combine and coat evenly. Chill several hours or overnight. Mix lightly before serving. Portion with No. 16 scoop (1/4 cup).
Recipe from USDA Recipes for Child Care Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories 94; Total Fat, 6 g Saturated Fat, .8 g. Serving suggestion: cup 3 Bean Salad with slice whole-wheat toast
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Locomotor Challenges
Arrange the children in a scatter formation. Present the following challenges: Walk under control, do not bump or touch anyone else. Walk forward, stop, walk backward, stop, walk backward, stop, walk forward, stop, walk backward. Walk and balance on one foot (repeat). Hop on one foot, now the other foot. Walk (allow them to walk several steps), hop (again several steps), walk backward. Run slowly, now hop, walk backward, hop. Walk and jump. Run and jump. Walk and hop. Jump backward, then forward (repeat). Step (walk), then hop, step-hop, step-hop. As children master a challenge, move to the next challenge. Challenges should be repeated. Use surprise to keep interest. 74
Peach Pops
Serves 10
1 cup orange juice 4 cups sliced ripe peaches 10 paper cups 10 plastic spoons or popsicle sticks Peel, pit, and chop peaches. Blend all ingredients in blender until pureed. Pour cup puree into a paper cup with a plastic spoon inserted into the center. Freeze until firm. Variation: If peaches are not in season, unsweetened canned or frozen peaches may be used.
Recipe modified from Meals to Please Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 54; Fiber, 1 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: 1 Peach Pop with 1/8 cup non-fat cottage cheese.
Partner Challenges
Arrange the children with a partner.
Present the following challenges: Holding hands walk forward with your partner. Facing your partner, raise both arms up, move them to the side, make circles. Facing your partner, put hands on each others shoulders, toes touchingcan you walk? Facing your partner, make a bridge with your arms (hold hands and lift arms up). Facing your partner, hold hands and walk in a circle. Facing your partner, clap hands together, clap your legs, then hands and so forth. One partner stands behind the other, with hands on the partners shoulders, walk forward in follow-the-leader style. Facing your partner, hands on shoulders, slide toward menow away.
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Strawberry Kangaroo
6 servings
2 cups hulled (stems removed) and halved strawberries 1 cup orange juice 6 paper cups 6 Popsicle sticks or plastic spoons Place strawberries and juice in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Place mixture in paper cups and freeze until partially frozen. Place plastic spoons or Popsicle stick in the center of the paper cup and freeze until solid.
Recipe modified from California Project Lean website. Recipe courtesy of California 5 a Day Campaign. Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 63; Fiber, 1.1 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: 1 Strawberry Kangaroo with 1 whole grain rice cake and a glass of water.
Playland
Pillow 6 foot long rope Card table Blanket Cardboard box
Create a playland of items easily found. Try using: empty cardboard box (to crawl through), rope (on the floor as a balance beam), card table with a blanket (to go under), pillow (to go over). Demonstrate the path and action at each item, run between items. Children will go one at a time. Repeat several times.
Go through box run run Under the table Walk on rope run Jump the pillow
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5 bananas 1 cup of rice crispy cereal cup applesauce Peel bananas and cut them in half. Roll them in applesauce and then in the rice crispy cereal. Freeze and serve 2 Rice Crispy Rollovers (1/2 cup banana) to each child.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 140; Fiber, 3.4 g; Total Fat, .5 g; Saturated Fat, .2 g. Serving suggestion: 1 Rice Crispy Rollover with a glass of water.
Suggested Reading The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain 79
Going on a Trip
Route Markers Arrange the children on a long line facing you.
Create a route with markers (cones, carpet squares, plastic milk bottles filled with sand or water). For each part of our trip we will use a different movement. One child goes at a time, so you and the other children can cue or coach which skill should be done on each segment of the trip. At the end, you and the children walk can go together forming a train by doing the movements in a line. You can substitute gallop other movements. hop
run
80
Combine the banana slices, chilled pineapple juice, milk, and ice cubes. Cover and blend until frothy. Pour mixture into glasses. Serve immediately. Variation: Substitute 100% cranberry, orange, or grape juice for the pineapple juice.
Recipe modified from Healthy Fast Food Choices Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 76; Fiber, .8 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, .1g. Serving suggestion: cup Frosty Fruit Smoothie with 1/3 cup toasted oat cereal.
Mulberry Bush
Arrange the children in a circle with 2 feet or more between children.
For the chorus sing Here we go around the mulberry bush, mulberry bush, mulberry bush, (repeat) so early in the morning while walking around in a large circle. During each verse, stand in circle formation, and do the action. This is the way we __________, (repeat twice), this is the way we __________, so early in the morning. Alternate verses and the chorus. Touch our toes Hop on one foot STOP 82 Jump in the air Run in place Bend our knees Twist our hips
1 15 1/2 ounce can chickpeas, drained 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoon onions, chopped Mash chickpeas in a small bowl until they are smooth. Add oil and lemon juice; stir to combine. Add chopped onions. Note: Garbanzo bean is another name for chickpea. The chickpeas are easier to mash if they are warmed in the microwave for 1 minute.
Recipe from Eat Smart. Play Hard. Healthy Lifestyles website Provides 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 96; Fiber, 4.1 g; Total Fat, 2.7 g; Saturated Fat, .8g. Serving suggestion: 3 tablespoons Hummus with homemade tortilla chips (see recipe cards).
Trucks
Arrange the children in a line shoulder to shoulder on one side of and facing an open area.
Each child is a truck. The object is to practice slow and fast movements. Talk about and demonstrate the difference between slow and fast. The trucks are waiting for the signal to move (when you say start your engines). The trucks must stay together walking around the area, until you say faster, then some trucks can move quicker as long as all movement is under control. When you say slow down, curve ahead the trucks must walk around the outside of the area. Alternate slow and fast by using the cues faster and slow down. Start over occasionally so everyone is grouped again. STOP
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Place grated carrots in a bowl and add a tsp of low-fat salad dressing, stirring to moisten. Place carrots in the center of a plate and make a hollow in the carrot nest with the back of a spoon. Place grapes in the nest for eggs. Cut grapes in half for children under age 2.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 37; Fiber, 1.2 g; Total Fat, 1g; Saturated Fat, .2 g. Serving suggestion: 1 Bird Nest with cup skim milk.
Hand Signals
Arrange the children in a scatter formation.
You will use words and hand signals to tell them which direction to move. You can create your own signals, for example forward is thumb pointing behind you, backward finger is pointing toward the children, and so forth. Show them the signals, demonstrate, and use words. Have the children move in each direction on your visual and verbal cue. Once the children can do this, use only the verbal cues. Once they can do the verbal cues have them move only with the visual cues. Try to trick them, when you do, make it fun and exciting by laughing and telling them you are going to try to trick them again. For younger children use walking and go slowly. For older children you can use various locomotor skills (e.g., hope, jump, gallop) in addition to walking. 86
Peel and cut carrots into small chunks. Place carrots in blender and chop for a few seconds. Add some pineapple juice and blend a few more seconds until carrots are smooth. Add remainder of pineapple juice, banana and crushed ice and blend until smooth.
Recipe adapted from Meals to Please
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds Calories, 55; Fiber, .5 g; Total Fat, .1g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: 2/3 cup Sunshine Carrot Cocktail with .4 oz unsalted whole wheat pretzels (about cup)
Shapes
3 cards with shapes Arrange the children in a scatter formation.
Explain the three words. Sharp movements are hard, with angles and force. Smooth movements are soft, flowing, and gentle. Pause is a stop, holding the position, especially something fun. The activity is to make a movement (sharp or smooth) or pause, until you change the card. When you change the card the children do that activity until you change again. Stop and point out things you like. Find something good from each child. STOP Sharp
Smooth
Pause
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Give each child 2 of each vegetable item ( cup total) to build a vegetable mountain and the small broccoli pieces can be the trees/shrubs/bushes on the mountain (or other kind of sculpture or flat artwork can be created). Variation: A dip can be offered (such as hummus or bean dip to help encourage the children to eat the veggies better or to help plaster the veggies together for the edible art project).
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 27; Fiber, 1.5 g; Total Fat, .1 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: cup raw veggies with cup skim milk.
Suggested Reading The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksei Tolstoy and Niamh Sharkey 89
Parachute Play
Parachute or table cloth. Arrange the children around the edge of the parachute.
Begin by shaking the parachute. Place light objects (e.g. ball, jump ropes) on the parachute, have the children try to shake them off the parachute. Walk around while holding the parachute with the inside hand. Reverse directions and hold the chute with the other hand. Stand, holding the parachute with both hands; raise and lower the parachute. Allow it to fill with air. Repeat, but everyone will move inside and sit on the ground continuing to hold the parachute close to the ground. It should remain filled with air like a tent.
90
4 cups shredded cabbage (can be purchased shredded in a bag) 1 cup sliced bananas 1 cup raisins Dressing: 5 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt 1 tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice Mix fat-free mayonnaise, low-fat yogurt, and lemon juice together. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bananas, and raisins. Toss dressing into cabbage salad. Variation: Pineapple chunks can be used instead of raisins and bananas.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 63; Fiber, 1.4 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, .1g. Serving suggestion: cup Banana Rama Coleslaw with cup skim milk.
Fitness Course
4 markers for each stop on the course Stop 1. Bend and stretch - touch toes then stand tall and stretch with arms over head (repeat as time allows) Stop 2. Crunches - laying on back, arms crossed on chest, roll upward until the shoulders are off the floor, slowly roll back to start (repeat) Stop 3. Twister - standing with feet shoulder distance apart, turn upper body as far as possible in each direction, hands on waist (repeat) Stop 4. Seal walk - support body weight with arms while legs are extended with tops of feet on the floor (repeat) Begin with all children traveling with you around fitness course. Describe and demonstrate each stop; have them practice. Jog from one stop to the next. Divide the children into 4 groups; one group begins at each stop. Groups rotate around stops on your signal. 4 1
3 92
1 tablespoon canola oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed 1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups diced tomatoes-fresh or canned (14 ounces) 8 cups water or broth/stock 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
In large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion in oil until soft and slightly browned (about 5 minutes). Add lentils, carrots, tomatoes, and water. Stir. Bring ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Spoon soup into bowls. Top with cheese.
Recipe from WIC WORKS California Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 98; Fiber, 6.2 g; Total Fat, 2.1 g; Saturated Fat, .8 g. Serving suggestion: A little over cup Lentil Soup with cup skim milk.
Beanbag Fun
1 bean bag per child Arrange the children in a scatter formation or circle.
Present the following bean bag challenges to the children. Repeat. Put the bean bag on your: arm* elbow leg* shoulder back hip knee head* calf* foot* hand* waist stomach* thigh The child responds by placing or touching the appropriate body part with the bean bag. Demonstrate as necessary. *Easy enough for the younger children. Do the following with your bean bag: Balance it on your head and walk. Put it on the floor and walk around it, jump over it. Toss it and catch it (older kids may toss it from hand to hand). STOP 94
1/3
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container. Serve each child cup Trail Mix.
Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 63; Fiber, .9 g; Total Fat, .5 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: 1/3 cup Trail Mix with cup skim milk.
Circus Elephants
Mats, carpet squares or a soft surface Arrange the children in a scatter formation on a soft surface.
X X X X X X
Present the following balance challenges. If the children do not understand, demonstrate. Balance on: Left foot Right foot One hand and one foot Two hands and one foot Switch to the other foot and two hands Head and two feet Seat (bottom)
Hint: To challenge older children, ask can you think of other ways to balance? or switch quickly from one to another of the challenges. Repeat.
STOP
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Asparagus is an interesting and unusual vegetable that most preschool children have probably never tried. A story or tall tale can accompany the snack to make the vegetable more enticing to the children. Be creative and make up something fun if you dont have a childrens book that fits the food you are serving. For example, you could make up a story about how Gus and Gussy Salamander learned to like asparagus one day while at the park when their Aunt Susie Salamander brought asparagus to a picnic and they tried it for the very first time and discovered to their surprise that they liked it. For very young children purchase canned asparagus as it will be easier to chew. For a little older children, fresh asparagus or frozen asparagus may be served, but it would be good to help them cut it into bite size pieces. If children are hesitant to try it, a small amount of low-fat cheese whiz could be served with it.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 20; Fiber, 1.8 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: cup Asparagus with cup skim milk.
Scarf Parade
Scarves or cloth pieces, 20x20 Arrange the children in one line or scatter formation facing an open area.
X X X X X X X
Scarf challenge movement activities: Hold scarf in one hand and do general movement patterns such as walking, galloping and hopping while waving the scarf. Make a circle in the air with the scarf. Switch hands and make another circle. Twirl while holding the scarf. Touch the floor or ground with the scarf then reach for the ceiling or sky. Drop the scarf on the floor and pick it up with your toes. Throw the scarf in the air and catch it. Catch it with your elbow, head, knee and foot. Keeping the scarf taut between your hands, stretch down and touch your toes and then reach for the ceiling or sky. March to music waving the scarf.
98
Broccoli Spuds
Serves 12
3 large baking potatoes (10 ounces each) 3 cups cooked broccoli 7 ounces low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese Bake or microwave potatoes until done. Cut potatoes into four pieces and mash slightly with a fork. Layer ingredients with the potato on the bottom, then the broccoli, and then the cheese and heat briefly to melt the cheese. Each child receives cup potato, cup broccoli, and ounce cheese.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable and 1 meat/meat alternate for CACFP for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 130; Fiber, 2.9 g; Total Fat, 3.6 g; Saturated Fat, 2.1 g. Serving suggestion: Broccoli Spuds with a glass of water.
Suggested Reading Count with Dora by Phoebe Beinstein and Thompson Bros. 99
Obstacle Course
Chairs Tables Blocks Large cardboard boxes Arrange the children in one line behind one another.
The Obstacle Course is a fun activity that can be done indoors or outdoors. Use whatever is available to make obstacles for the children to maneuver around to keep them active. Have each child move around the various objects that you select for your obstacle course. Some examples for movement include: Over the obstacle In the obstacle Out of the obstacle Under the obstacle Around the obstacle Repeat!
Note: If you do not have a large cardboard box, you can make a square with masking tape on the floor and use that for having your child step in and out while doing the obstacle course.
100
Building Blocks
( cup each)
Apple slices Blueberries Strawberries cut into thin slices Pineapple slices Banana slices Raisins Honey dew melon cut into thin planks Lemon juice The banana and apple can be dipped in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Children each receive cup worth of building materials and build an edible tower, fort, or sculpture.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 66; Fiber, 1.6 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: cup fruit with cup skim milk.
Call out and demonstrate a movement, such as: Touch your toes Swing your arms Stomp your feet Jumping jacks Or have a pretend band and march around the room as if in a parade with the children following your lead as to what instrument they are pretending to play. Give each child one turn to be the leader. Use your imagination!
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Breakfast cereal with milk can be a very healthy snack. Choose cereal that has no added sugar and that is whole grain such as bite size shredded wheat, puffed brown rice, and puffed whole wheat cereal. Serve with skim milk. Variation: Add raisins or banana slices to cereal. Also, hot cereal makes a good snack (such as oatmeal and 5-grain cereal).
Provides 1 grain/bread and 1 milk for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Nutrition information for puffed rice cereal: Calories, 60; Fiber, .1 g; Total Fat, .1 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: 1 bowl of cereal with skim milk and a glass of water.
Freeze Dance
Music Arrange the children in a circle.
Play music and have the children dance to it. Play the music for short and long periods of time, approximately 15 45 seconds. Instruct the children to stop and freeze when the music stops. For a little added twist, have the children wiggle, jump, hop or crawl to the music. Surprise the children!
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Provides 1 grain/bread and 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 96 ; Fiber, 1.8 g; Total Fat, .5 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: .4 ounces pretzels with cup applesauce and cup skim milk.
Balloon Float
Balloons containing air for each child Arrange the children in a scatter formation facing an open area.
X X X X
Challenge tasks: Jump as you hit the balloon in the air and see if it can hit the ceiling. Drop the balloon on the ground and move it without touching it. How can you do that? Kick the balloon like a football. Keep the balloon in the air only using: o Feet o Head o Elbow o Knee o What other body part could you use? Carry the balloon without using your hands. Try to bounce the balloon. Hit the balloon back and forth with someone else.
Caution: Remind children to keep balloons away from their mouths.
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Scarf Imagination
Scarves or cloth pieces, 20x20 1 per child Arrange the children in a scatter formation facing an open area.
X X X X X
Free Time Play with Scarves: Fantasy and imagination often happens when children are given free time to play with the scarves. Children will pretend it is a cape, veil, make believe animals, blankets, hats and think of other imaginative ideas. Add music to encourage movement and dance with the scarves.
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Never heard the story about Goldilocks and the tossed salad? Well, each child likes their salad fixed just right. You can teach them about finding the right combination of greens, reds, crunchies, and softies to make their own salad just right. Be sure to cut hard vegetables into small pieces so they are not a risk for choking. A variety of kinds of greens can be offered such as spinach greens, iceberg lettuce, and Romaine. A variety of dressings can be offered too.
Provides 1 fruit/vegetable for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 51; Fiber, 1.3 g; Total Fat .6 g; Saturated Fat, .1 g. Serving suggestion: cup of salad with 1 tablespoon of dressing and .4 ounces of whole wheat crackers
When you say start your engines children should make engine noises (Hurmph, humm, brummm). When you tell the children to start, such as, Ready. Set. Go!, the children will scoot themselves around the race track on their sacks (by holding the sides of the sacks and pushing or pulling with the feet). The race track is defined by you. Put the kids into groups to spread them out. Your hand is the caution flag. Use it to stop the race if children get too bunched up; then restart the race. Everyone wins each time they go around the track and back to their starting place. STOP 110
Bagel Rounds
of one 3 bagel per child
Cut a three-inch whole wheat bagel vertically into round coin shapes and put on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees 5-10 minutes in the oven until lightly toasted. Serve bagel for each child.
Provides 1 grain/bread for CACFP Snack for 3 to 5 year olds. Calories, 36; Fiber, .5 g; Total Fat, .2 g; Saturated Fat, 0 g. Serving suggestion: Bagel Rounds (1/4 of a bagel) with Zippy Bean Dip (see recipe card) and cup skim milk.
Hustle
Favorite music with moderate tempo Arrange the children in a scatter formation.
X X X X
Do the following movements to music. Repeat each 8-16 times; then do a different movement.
Step and toe touch: Step backwards, stand on one foot. Touch the toe of the opposite foot on the floor. As you step back swing your arms forward and upwards, then downwards as the toe touches. Walk forward: On each step pull arms forcefully down to waist from a position in front of head with elbows bent. Side swings: Swing arms in a circle in front of body while taking one step sideways (step and close).
Zippy Bean Dip (Cold Bean Dip), p. 89 Eat Smart. Play Hard. Healthy Lifestyles website, USDA. http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardhealthylifestyle Baked Beans Hummus (renamed from original recipe--Chickpea Dip) 5-a-Day web site www.5aday.com Tropical Freeze (renamed from original recipe Paradise Freeze) Food, Family and Fun: A Seasonal Guide to Healthy Eating, 1996. Published by the United States Department of Agriculture. Garden Fresh Tomato Sauce, p. 74. Food Stamp Nutrition Connection website, USDA. http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov Oat Bran Muffins Pretzel Shapes Healthy Fast Food Choices. Fact Sheet from University of Minnesota Extensions Nutrition Education Programs. http://www.extension.umn.edu/Nutrition Frosty Fruit Smoothie Meals to Please: Helps for Childrens Nutrition, 1983, published by Association for Child Development. Peach Pops, p. 117 Sunshine Carrot Cocktail, p. 10 114
Stretch Your Food Dollars. Brochure available online from the San Bernardino County Health Department Nutrition Program. http://www.sbcounty.gov/eatwell/EducationalMaterials.htm Homemade Refried Beans Spanish Rice University of Illinois Extension. Online article: Salt: Too much of a good thing. http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/thriftyliving/tl-salt.html Salt-Free Herb Blend U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. www.blueberry.org Blueberry Smoothie (recipe adapted) USDA Recipes for Childcare http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov 3 Bean Salad Whats Cookin II, editor Charlotte S. Kern, 1997 by Nebraska Department of Education. Bread Sticks, p. 120. WIC WORKS California: Adapted from a recipe developed by the State of California Department of Public Health, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program (www.wicworks.ca.gov). Leo the Leopards Lentil Soup 115
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears by Valeri Gorbachev, 2003. Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat, 1980. Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert,1987. Guri and Guras Special Gift by Rieko Nakagawa and Yuriko Yamawaki, 2003. Hamster Camp by Teresa Bateman and Nancy Cote, 2005. Handas Surprise by Eileen Browne, 1999. Hop Jump by Ellen Stoll Walsh, 1996. How my Parents Learned to Eat by Ina R. Friedman, 1984. I Like Peanuts by Jennifer Julius. Childrens Press, 2000. In the Garden by Gallimard Jeunesse, 2003. I Will Never, Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child, 2000. Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Morrow Junior Books, 2000. Jodys Beans by Malachy Doyle, 1999. Lets Get the Rhythm by Anne Miranda, 1994. Lunch by Denise Fleming, 1992. Market Day by Lois Ehlert, 2000. Muncha, Muncha, Muncha by Candace Fleming, 2002. Olivers Fruit Salad by Vivian French, 1998. Olivers Vegetables by Vivian French, 1995. One Bean by Anne Rockwell, 1998. One Cool Watermelon by Hannah Tofts and Rupert Horrox, 2007. 117
100 Hungry Ants by Elinor J Pinczes & Bonnie MacKain, 1999. Rabbit Food by Susanna Gretz. Candlewick Press, 1999. Scarlette Beane by Karen Wallace, 1999. Stone Soup by Marcia Brown, 2005. Sweet as a Strawberry by Sally Smallwood, 2005. The Tortilla Factory by Gary Paulsen, 1995. Wiggle Waggle by Jonathan London and Michael Rex, 1999. Yoko by Rosemary Wells, 1998.
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Helpful Websites
www.mypyramid.gov www.healthysd.gov www.fruitsandveggiesmatters.gov http://www.doe.sd.gov/oess/cans http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard http://www.doe.sd.gov/oess/cans/nutrition
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