September is National Childhood Obesity Month, a critical time to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity among children. As educators and program leaders, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future health of our students by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make healthier choices. One powerful way to do this is through our NCES Food N Fitness: The Kid Connection —a comprehensive educational kit designed specifically for busy classrooms and after-school programs.
Why Childhood Obesity Awareness Matters
Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the United States, with nearly 1 in 5 children affected. This condition not only impacts a child's physical health but can also affect their emotional well-being and academic performance. However, research shows that when children learn healthy habits early, they are more likely to maintain them throughout their lives. This is why it is crucial to educate children about nutrition, portion sizes, and the importance of regular physical activity.
NCES Food N Fitness: The Kid Connection is an innovative educational toolkit designed to make learning about health fun and engaging for students in grades 1-6. These lessons are crafted to fit seamlessly into any classroom or after-school program schedule, providing educators with everything they need to teach children about healthy lifestyles.
Through our program, students will learn to:
- Identify the food groups according to the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines.
- Demonstrate the ability to make healthy food choices within each group.
- Evaluate their individual food consumption based on recommended daily needs.
- Acknowledge the importance of being physically active every day.
- Assess their daily health habits and identify areas for improvement.
What’s Inside the Kits?
We offer two versions of the Healthy Lesson Plans for Cool Kids to cater to different needs:
1. Digital Kit: Perfect for tech-savvy classrooms and remote learning environments, the Digital Kit includes:
- 8 engaging lesson plans featuring hands-on activities that teach students about the MyPlate food groups, smart snacking, and the benefits of physical activity.
- An Add-On Kit option, which includes additional digital resources to enhance learning.
2. Physical Kit: Ideal for more interactive and tangible learning experiences, the Physical Kit includes everything in the Digital Kit, PLUS:
- Two 50-sheet tear pads: The “Make the Connection” pre/post-test and the “My Healthy Score Card” tracking sheet to monitor students' progress.
- 4 plastic cones and 6 bean bags: For fun, active games that reinforce healthy habits.
- Additional content of activity sheets for each food group and vibrant images to support visual learning.
The Impact of NCES Food N Fitness: The Kid Connection
When students actively participate in the NCES Food N Fitness Kid Connection they are not just memorizing facts—they are learning life skills. These lessons encourage children to think critically about their choices and empower them to make healthier decisions daily. By evaluating their food intake and physical activity levels, students gain a deeper understanding of their health and well-being, fostering habits that can last a lifetime.
Make a Difference in Your Classroom Today!
This National Childhood Obesity Month, let’s commit to making a difference in the lives of our students. With NCES Food N Fitness: The Kid Connection, you can inspire your students to make healthier choices, be more active, and understand the value of a balanced lifestyle. Together, we can help build a healthier future for the next generation.
Get started today with NCES Food N Fitness: The Kid Connection! Whether you choose the Digital Kit or the Physical Kit, you’ll be providing your students with invaluable knowledge and skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Let’s empower our students to lead healthier lives—one lesson at a time!
