Physical fitness is important to children because it helps the children to maintain a healthy weight. If children don’t eat healthy they can become over weight and can become obese. Children that are overweight can have medical that maybe things such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes or asthma.
Children that are overweight have psychosocial problems because they have low self- esteem and have academic problems. And other children or adults may make fun of them. When children don’t exercise there can be a lot of different weight problems, social and self- esteem problems. Being overweight can also be a genetic problem and not because you are not eating the right foods or eating more than you should. Over weight can also cause behavioral factors in children.
Adults can help children develop good fitness habits by doing exercises every day. And by being role models and do the exercise with them. And the teacher can do different exercises with them. So that the children won’t get bored or tired of doing the same things every day. If the children see the teacher doing exercises they are more than likely to follow along. And the teacher can make the exercise fun by adding music to the exercises.
Teachers can also encourage the children to keep moving. And giving the children balls, bubbles, and hula hoops to play with. By taking children outside on the playground this can help the child develop motor skills by running, jumping, and climbing.
One activity children can do to improve their gross motor skills is the crawfish walk. This is a game where the children walk backwards slowly. It helps the child have more coordination and it helps them to use different muscles in their legs. Children can also play hop and stop by hopping on one leg until the teachers says stop. And then switch to the other leg. This game helps the child develop muscle tone.
One activity children can do to improve their fine motor skills is playing with play dough. And using the play dough to make different things with it. It can be used to cut out different shapes or objects with cookie cutters. Also by letting children thread beads or macaroni on strings help the children to use their hands and have hand to eye coordination.
As parents and teachers we are role models for children. What children see and learn from us will stick with the children. By setting good examples the children will remember this and will use it in the future.
By the teacher being active along with the children and showing them that exercise can be fun. By exercising can help children be healthy and not get over weight. Eating healthy and exercising along with children will let children know that this is healthy and good for them.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Healthy Food and Nutrition
Section 4: Healthy Food and Nutrition
Infants get the nutrition they need from breast feeding or formula. “The growth and development of an infant is directly related to nutrition” ( Robertson, 2010). When the infant get to be the age of six months then they can have solid foods.” As the infant grows changes in the organs provide the ability to digest and assimilate solid foods” ( Robertson, 2010).
“Current knowledge shows that breast feeding is preferable to provide infants proper nutrition and protection from bacteria, infections, and immunity from diseases” ( Robertson, 2010). Also breast fed babies is less likely to get sick then what bottle fed babies are. Breast fed babies need to be fed at least every two to three hours.
Good nutrition for babies helps them to grow and develop. Breast fed babies or bottle fed babies get the right amount of nutrients that are needed. When infants are six months of age they can start eating solid foods. “ This is about the time it takes for the fine, gross, and oral motor skills to develop so that the child is ready to eat solid food” ( Robertson, 2010). The only way for infants to get the nutrition they need at the early stages of their lives is by breast feeding or formula.
Toddlers need an adequate amount of nutrition in order for the child to grow and develop, learn and play. “The more hours the child is in care, the greater the teacher’s responsibility for providing adequate nutrition for growth and maintenance of health” ( NCCCHRS, 2006).
By the teacher going by nutritional guidelines and giving the children the right amount of nutrients they need will help the child to grow. Also by the teacher planning an adequate menu with different types of food from the My Pyramid for kid’s guideline. Also by the teacher using the ABC’s of Nutritional Recommendations this guideline tells you what exactly the child needs on a daily bases.
Toddlers are just learning to eat by themselves and trying different foods by taste and texture. So finger foods that the children can eat by their selves should be healthy and in small pieces so choking doesn’t occur. By having the children select foods “family style” the children can get as much as they want to eat. And teaches the children how to self serve. “Another strategy for helping a child develop good eating habits is to make mealtimes significant for the child” ( Robertson, 2010). By sitting and talking with the children at meal time makes the children think it is a special time. “When children see their teachers enjoying foods, they are likely to be adventurous and try them too” (Robertson, 2010).
Toddlers also like to have colorful, different shapes of foods, and by putting smiley faces on pancakes or sandwiches. They also like to use cups and small utensils to help them feed their selves.
Preschoolers are “capable of being patient and can control impulses” (Robertson, 2010). At the preschool age children like talking to other children and eating with other children. They also know the differences between what is right and what is wrong.
Preschoolers should have good healthy and nutritious because they are active and use more energy than toddlers. They “like to learn about new foods and to engage them in choosing new foods to try” (Robertson, 2010). By letting the children help plan, set the table and prepare meals this helps them to learn to eat new foods. And makes them “feel like they have a meaningful role in the mealtime experience” (Robertson, 2010). This is also the times when they are growing and using muscles.
The way adults can actively help children develop healthy eating habits are letting the children select the food and by letting them help you to prepare it. Also by encouraging children to try new and different foods. Also by reading books to children about new and different foods help the children to want to try that new food.
Three nutritious recipes
Pyramid Tortilla
1- 8 inch tortilla
1- 2 ounces of thin sliced turkey or ham
2 tablespoons shredded cheese
¼ cup shredded lettuce
1 tablespoon raisins
Low fat mayonnaise, cream cheese or margarine
Give each child a tortilla. Have them spread with mayonnaise, margarine, or cream cheese. Then layer on the turkey or ham, cheese, lettuce and raisins. Roll up and enjoy.
This recipe has food from all food groups and is easy for children to make by their selves.
Super Strawberry Bars
1 c. flour
1 c. rolled oats
½ c. butter or margarine, softened
1/3 c. light brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
¾ c. strawberry jam
¼ tsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl, mix together everything except the strawberry jam
Measure out 2 cups of this mixture. Leave the rest in the bowl and set it aside
Take the 2 cups of the mixture and press it into the bottom of the pan. You can use your hands or a spoon. Make sure you cover the entire bottom of the pan.
Using a large spoon, spread the strawberry jam on top of the mixture in the pan. Spread it evenly all over.
Take the mixture that was left in the bowl and spread it over the strawberry jam. Press it down lightly.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes.
This recipe has very little sugar and has oats that are healthy for child.
Fun Fruit Kabobs
1 apple
1 banana
1/3 c. red seedless grapes
1/3 c. green seedless grapes
2/3 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup nonfat yogurt
¼ c. dried coconut, shredded
2 wooden skewer sticks
Prepare the fruit by washing the grapes, washing the apples and cutting them into small squares, peeling the bananas and cutting them into chunks, and cutting the pineapple into chunks, if it’s fresh. Put the fruit onto a large plate.
Spread coconut onto another large plate.
Slide pieces of fruit onto the skewer and design your kabob by putting as much or as little of whatever fruit you want. Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end.
Hold your kabob at the ends and roll it in the yogurt, so the fruit gets covered. Then roll it in the coconut.
This recipe has a lot of fruits and very little fat or saturated fat. It has calories that children need.
Teacher and parents can encourage children to eat things that are healthy. By making things with fruits or vegetables they like and to make it fun for them by letting them help.
Infants get the nutrition they need from breast feeding or formula. “The growth and development of an infant is directly related to nutrition” ( Robertson, 2010). When the infant get to be the age of six months then they can have solid foods.” As the infant grows changes in the organs provide the ability to digest and assimilate solid foods” ( Robertson, 2010).
“Current knowledge shows that breast feeding is preferable to provide infants proper nutrition and protection from bacteria, infections, and immunity from diseases” ( Robertson, 2010). Also breast fed babies is less likely to get sick then what bottle fed babies are. Breast fed babies need to be fed at least every two to three hours.
Good nutrition for babies helps them to grow and develop. Breast fed babies or bottle fed babies get the right amount of nutrients that are needed. When infants are six months of age they can start eating solid foods. “ This is about the time it takes for the fine, gross, and oral motor skills to develop so that the child is ready to eat solid food” ( Robertson, 2010). The only way for infants to get the nutrition they need at the early stages of their lives is by breast feeding or formula.
Toddlers need an adequate amount of nutrition in order for the child to grow and develop, learn and play. “The more hours the child is in care, the greater the teacher’s responsibility for providing adequate nutrition for growth and maintenance of health” ( NCCCHRS, 2006).
By the teacher going by nutritional guidelines and giving the children the right amount of nutrients they need will help the child to grow. Also by the teacher planning an adequate menu with different types of food from the My Pyramid for kid’s guideline. Also by the teacher using the ABC’s of Nutritional Recommendations this guideline tells you what exactly the child needs on a daily bases.
Toddlers are just learning to eat by themselves and trying different foods by taste and texture. So finger foods that the children can eat by their selves should be healthy and in small pieces so choking doesn’t occur. By having the children select foods “family style” the children can get as much as they want to eat. And teaches the children how to self serve. “Another strategy for helping a child develop good eating habits is to make mealtimes significant for the child” ( Robertson, 2010). By sitting and talking with the children at meal time makes the children think it is a special time. “When children see their teachers enjoying foods, they are likely to be adventurous and try them too” (Robertson, 2010).
Toddlers also like to have colorful, different shapes of foods, and by putting smiley faces on pancakes or sandwiches. They also like to use cups and small utensils to help them feed their selves.
Preschoolers are “capable of being patient and can control impulses” (Robertson, 2010). At the preschool age children like talking to other children and eating with other children. They also know the differences between what is right and what is wrong.
Preschoolers should have good healthy and nutritious because they are active and use more energy than toddlers. They “like to learn about new foods and to engage them in choosing new foods to try” (Robertson, 2010). By letting the children help plan, set the table and prepare meals this helps them to learn to eat new foods. And makes them “feel like they have a meaningful role in the mealtime experience” (Robertson, 2010). This is also the times when they are growing and using muscles.
The way adults can actively help children develop healthy eating habits are letting the children select the food and by letting them help you to prepare it. Also by encouraging children to try new and different foods. Also by reading books to children about new and different foods help the children to want to try that new food.
Three nutritious recipes
Pyramid Tortilla
1- 8 inch tortilla
1- 2 ounces of thin sliced turkey or ham
2 tablespoons shredded cheese
¼ cup shredded lettuce
1 tablespoon raisins
Low fat mayonnaise, cream cheese or margarine
Give each child a tortilla. Have them spread with mayonnaise, margarine, or cream cheese. Then layer on the turkey or ham, cheese, lettuce and raisins. Roll up and enjoy.
This recipe has food from all food groups and is easy for children to make by their selves.
Super Strawberry Bars
1 c. flour
1 c. rolled oats
½ c. butter or margarine, softened
1/3 c. light brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
¾ c. strawberry jam
¼ tsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl, mix together everything except the strawberry jam
Measure out 2 cups of this mixture. Leave the rest in the bowl and set it aside
Take the 2 cups of the mixture and press it into the bottom of the pan. You can use your hands or a spoon. Make sure you cover the entire bottom of the pan.
Using a large spoon, spread the strawberry jam on top of the mixture in the pan. Spread it evenly all over.
Take the mixture that was left in the bowl and spread it over the strawberry jam. Press it down lightly.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes.
This recipe has very little sugar and has oats that are healthy for child.
Fun Fruit Kabobs
1 apple
1 banana
1/3 c. red seedless grapes
1/3 c. green seedless grapes
2/3 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup nonfat yogurt
¼ c. dried coconut, shredded
2 wooden skewer sticks
Prepare the fruit by washing the grapes, washing the apples and cutting them into small squares, peeling the bananas and cutting them into chunks, and cutting the pineapple into chunks, if it’s fresh. Put the fruit onto a large plate.
Spread coconut onto another large plate.
Slide pieces of fruit onto the skewer and design your kabob by putting as much or as little of whatever fruit you want. Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end.
Hold your kabob at the ends and roll it in the yogurt, so the fruit gets covered. Then roll it in the coconut.
This recipe has a lot of fruits and very little fat or saturated fat. It has calories that children need.
Teacher and parents can encourage children to eat things that are healthy. By making things with fruits or vegetables they like and to make it fun for them by letting them help.
CPR and Choking Emergencies
It was a fall day and kind of warm outside. The children just came in from outside. They had washed their hands and were sitting at the table waiting for their afternoon snack. There were ten children in the class room ages ranging from 7- 10 years old. I and one other teacher were in the class room also. My helper went to get the crackers and milk for the children’s snack. The children started eating and were talking among themselves.
When out of the blue one of the children yelled something was wrong with Billy. I immediately ran over to Billy and he was holding his throat. I said to the other teacher to call 911. I ask him if he was choking and he nodded his head yes. I got behind Billy after I pulled him up out of the chair. I made a fist and put it right above his navel and did a quick upward thrust. I had to do this two times. Then the cracker that he was choking on came flying out of his mouth. He was very scared and started crying. I called his parents to let them know what had happened. His parents told me they would come pick Billy up. In the mean time before his parents arrived the rescue squad came and checked Billy out and told him he would be okay.
If not for the training I received in first aid and CPR and knowing how to do the Heimlich maneuver Billy could have died. I explained to the children what had happened and how we could avoid it from happening again. I told them to make sure they don’t eat so fast and to chew their food up better before swallowing it.
I think everyone that works with children or infants should know CPR, first aid and how to do the Heimlich maneuver. Because you never know when it will be needed and to always be prepared for emergencies.
It was a beautiful spring day and the weather was kind of warm but not too hot. All the children wanted to go outside and play after they ate lunch. There was one little girl Sally told me she wasn’t feeling very good. So I told her that after lunch she could lay down on her cot. She was sitting at the table and getting ready to eat when suddenly she fell off her chair and onto the floor. I rushed over to Sally and tapped her on the cheek but got no response. I told my other teacher to call 911. Sally was lying on her side and I rolled her onto her back. I put my face down to her nose and mouth to see if she was breathing but she was not. I lifted her chin to open her airway. I then covered her mouth with mine. I used my other hand to pinch her nose. I gave Sally 2 slow breaths. I looked at her chest to see if she was breathing she was not. So I called to my helper to help me. While she was doing the breathing I was doing the chest compressions. I was using the heel of my hand on Sally’s breastbone and compressed about 1/3 depth. After doing this two times Sally started breathing on her own. She was scared and didn’t know what was going on. The rescue squad came and was doing an assessment on Sally while I called her parents to tell them what had happened. Her parents wanted Sally to be transferred to the hospital. I told Sally that I was going with her in the rescue squad and her parents would meet us there.
If not for the teachers not knowing how to do CPR properly Sally would have died. Teachers need to be calm and to resure the other children that Sally would be okay.
When out of the blue one of the children yelled something was wrong with Billy. I immediately ran over to Billy and he was holding his throat. I said to the other teacher to call 911. I ask him if he was choking and he nodded his head yes. I got behind Billy after I pulled him up out of the chair. I made a fist and put it right above his navel and did a quick upward thrust. I had to do this two times. Then the cracker that he was choking on came flying out of his mouth. He was very scared and started crying. I called his parents to let them know what had happened. His parents told me they would come pick Billy up. In the mean time before his parents arrived the rescue squad came and checked Billy out and told him he would be okay.
If not for the training I received in first aid and CPR and knowing how to do the Heimlich maneuver Billy could have died. I explained to the children what had happened and how we could avoid it from happening again. I told them to make sure they don’t eat so fast and to chew their food up better before swallowing it.
I think everyone that works with children or infants should know CPR, first aid and how to do the Heimlich maneuver. Because you never know when it will be needed and to always be prepared for emergencies.
It was a beautiful spring day and the weather was kind of warm but not too hot. All the children wanted to go outside and play after they ate lunch. There was one little girl Sally told me she wasn’t feeling very good. So I told her that after lunch she could lay down on her cot. She was sitting at the table and getting ready to eat when suddenly she fell off her chair and onto the floor. I rushed over to Sally and tapped her on the cheek but got no response. I told my other teacher to call 911. Sally was lying on her side and I rolled her onto her back. I put my face down to her nose and mouth to see if she was breathing but she was not. I lifted her chin to open her airway. I then covered her mouth with mine. I used my other hand to pinch her nose. I gave Sally 2 slow breaths. I looked at her chest to see if she was breathing she was not. So I called to my helper to help me. While she was doing the breathing I was doing the chest compressions. I was using the heel of my hand on Sally’s breastbone and compressed about 1/3 depth. After doing this two times Sally started breathing on her own. She was scared and didn’t know what was going on. The rescue squad came and was doing an assessment on Sally while I called her parents to tell them what had happened. Her parents wanted Sally to be transferred to the hospital. I told Sally that I was going with her in the rescue squad and her parents would meet us there.
If not for the teachers not knowing how to do CPR properly Sally would have died. Teachers need to be calm and to resure the other children that Sally would be okay.
Emergency Preparedness Natural and Human-Generated Disasters
There was a winter storm headed our way here in Ohio. It was a very cold January day. The temperature outside was only 20 degrees.
The first thing I would do is to plan out what would happen if the electric went out or the snow storm was so server that the parents couldn’t get to the daycare to pick up their children. I would make sure ahead of time that the center would have enough supplies to get us through at least five days in case we can’t get out to get more supplies.
The main dangers for a winter storm are the electric going out. So you would be without heat and no way to cook food. I and my staff need to make sure we have a portable radio to keep updated on the weather. Also plenty of batteries for the flash lights. And if possible a generator to provide electric in at least one room. Make sure we also have plenty of blankets to keep the children warm. It would be best to put all the children in one room where there will be hopefully lights from the generator. But if no generator is available the staff will be using flashlights and battery powered lanterns.
I would also have the first aid kit and a copy of the children’s emergency contact information. That way I could keep the parents up dated on how the children are doing. If the teacher and helpers are not prepared for the winter storm the children would be at risk. Because there would not be enough food to feed them. And also by not having enough blankets the children would be cold and this may cause the children to become sick.
The number one priority is to keep the children safe and warm. And to keep the parents updated on how the children are doing and how they are feeling. Some maybe scared but the staff has to reinsure the children that everything is okay.
It was a hot July day here in Ohio. The sky was getting dark and the clouds were rolling in. The weather man said on the radio that our area was under a tornado watch. I informed the parents that if a tornado occurred that the children would be safe.
As the day went on the skies were turning darker and the wind was picking up. Then at around 2 pm the tornado siren went off while the children were sleeping.
I and my staff woke the children and took them to the basement where there is a storm cellar. The children were scared and crying. But I told them everything would be okay and they would be safe in the storm cellar. After getting the children settled and calmed down I went back up stairs to get flashlights, first aid kit and the children’s emergency contact information. I called the parents of the children to let them know that we were all safe in the storm cellar.
I and the staff had practiced with the children as to what to do in case of a tornado. We all stayed calm and everyone was safe.
The consequences of not having this disaster planned out the children and the staff could have been hurt or even killed. But thankfully the tornado went around us to the east. When the parents arrived to pick up the children they were happy to see that everyone was safe and no one was hurt. The parents also thanked the staff for being prepared for such a disaster.
The first thing I would do is to plan out what would happen if the electric went out or the snow storm was so server that the parents couldn’t get to the daycare to pick up their children. I would make sure ahead of time that the center would have enough supplies to get us through at least five days in case we can’t get out to get more supplies.
The main dangers for a winter storm are the electric going out. So you would be without heat and no way to cook food. I and my staff need to make sure we have a portable radio to keep updated on the weather. Also plenty of batteries for the flash lights. And if possible a generator to provide electric in at least one room. Make sure we also have plenty of blankets to keep the children warm. It would be best to put all the children in one room where there will be hopefully lights from the generator. But if no generator is available the staff will be using flashlights and battery powered lanterns.
I would also have the first aid kit and a copy of the children’s emergency contact information. That way I could keep the parents up dated on how the children are doing. If the teacher and helpers are not prepared for the winter storm the children would be at risk. Because there would not be enough food to feed them. And also by not having enough blankets the children would be cold and this may cause the children to become sick.
The number one priority is to keep the children safe and warm. And to keep the parents updated on how the children are doing and how they are feeling. Some maybe scared but the staff has to reinsure the children that everything is okay.
It was a hot July day here in Ohio. The sky was getting dark and the clouds were rolling in. The weather man said on the radio that our area was under a tornado watch. I informed the parents that if a tornado occurred that the children would be safe.
As the day went on the skies were turning darker and the wind was picking up. Then at around 2 pm the tornado siren went off while the children were sleeping.
I and my staff woke the children and took them to the basement where there is a storm cellar. The children were scared and crying. But I told them everything would be okay and they would be safe in the storm cellar. After getting the children settled and calmed down I went back up stairs to get flashlights, first aid kit and the children’s emergency contact information. I called the parents of the children to let them know that we were all safe in the storm cellar.
I and the staff had practiced with the children as to what to do in case of a tornado. We all stayed calm and everyone was safe.
The consequences of not having this disaster planned out the children and the staff could have been hurt or even killed. But thankfully the tornado went around us to the east. When the parents arrived to pick up the children they were happy to see that everyone was safe and no one was hurt. The parents also thanked the staff for being prepared for such a disaster.
Safety Practices and Policies
There are many hazardous things that can be dangerous to infants and toddlers that families are not aware of.
Infants and toddlers like to put things in their mouths. Like things lying on the floor or within their reach. These items like coins, buttons, marbles, and rocks can cause a choking hazard. To keep this from happening make sure you keep the floor clean and are alert as to what is in reach of the children. Put things up and out of reach of children. Parents can do this at home to keep their child from choking.
Infants should never be put to sleep in a swing, carseat, couches, or on a chair. This can cause suffocation to the child. Or the child could fall out of the devise. Always put the child to sleep in a crib or a playpen. This is the most safes way to keep the child from being injured.
Falls is the number one injury in any childhood setting. This can be avoided by using baby gates near steps. And not leave children unattended on changing tables or cribs that have the sides down. There also needs to be window guards at windows where a child could fall out of.
Poisonous items should be put in a higher cupboard away from children or have a safety lock put on the cupboard door. Products that are poisonous should not be used to clean floors, chairs, or surfaces that are in contact with children. Cleaning supplies should be nontoxic that you use to clean where the child will be crawling or sitting.
Toys should be used for the appropriate age. Infants should have rattles, squeeze toys and mobiles. Toddlers should have books, stacking toys, and blocks. Never give toys to infants that have little or lose pieces because they will put them in their mouth and this can cause choking. Make sure the toys have no sharp pieces or rough edges.
Infants and toddlers like to put things in their mouths. Like things lying on the floor or within their reach. These items like coins, buttons, marbles, and rocks can cause a choking hazard. To keep this from happening make sure you keep the floor clean and are alert as to what is in reach of the children. Put things up and out of reach of children. Parents can do this at home to keep their child from choking.
Infants should never be put to sleep in a swing, carseat, couches, or on a chair. This can cause suffocation to the child. Or the child could fall out of the devise. Always put the child to sleep in a crib or a playpen. This is the most safes way to keep the child from being injured.
Falls is the number one injury in any childhood setting. This can be avoided by using baby gates near steps. And not leave children unattended on changing tables or cribs that have the sides down. There also needs to be window guards at windows where a child could fall out of.
Poisonous items should be put in a higher cupboard away from children or have a safety lock put on the cupboard door. Products that are poisonous should not be used to clean floors, chairs, or surfaces that are in contact with children. Cleaning supplies should be nontoxic that you use to clean where the child will be crawling or sitting.
Toys should be used for the appropriate age. Infants should have rattles, squeeze toys and mobiles. Toddlers should have books, stacking toys, and blocks. Never give toys to infants that have little or lose pieces because they will put them in their mouth and this can cause choking. Make sure the toys have no sharp pieces or rough edges.
About me
My name is Paula Kern I live in Canton Oh. I am the mother to 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I have a new baby girl grandaughter due in Oct. My 2 sons are currently serving in the US. Army. My oldest son was injured while serving in Iraq and is currently recovering at Walter Reed Hospital. I would love to move back to Wv to be closer to friends and family. And to start my own in home daycare again. When I lived there for over 18 years I had my own daycare from 1996-2000 and I loved it knowing that I made a differences in the children's lives I kept.
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