Perea Preschool, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is employing a fascinating method to educate children about nutrition by integrating play with fruits and vegetables. Many children at Perea come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, where, as reported by Atlantic Monthly, “Parents face difficult decisions between a $1 head of lettuce and five boxes of macaroni and cheese.” For some of these children, the preschool provides their only opportunity to engage with fresh produce.
As any parent of a preschooler knows, coaxing a child to try new foods can be a daunting task. Just the other day, I found myself in an embarrassing stalemate with my 7-year-old over a stick of asparagus, while my 9-year-old made such faces at the mere suggestion of trying something unfamiliar that I almost gave up. However, the dedicated educators at Perea Preschool are taking a different approach, and it appears to be effective. Funded by a local health organization, nutrition plays a pivotal role in their curriculum, grounded in the science linking nutrition to early brain development.
To encourage children to try new foods, they incorporate these foods into playful activities. Vicki Sallis Murrell, a professor of counseling and educational psychology, asserts, “Play is the best way to influence behavior and teach lessons about health in early years.” At Perea, food is never simply served on a plate; there is always a context or exploration involved. For instance, during a pumpkin-themed activity, children can interact with a raw pumpkin before it is turned into pies or seeds. They are encouraged to touch and explore the pumpkin’s texture, and if they express interest in tasting it, their curiosity is welcomed.
Some may wonder about the health implications of a pie, but that’s not the crux of the issue here. The goal is to help children perceive food as a process that originates from nature, allowing them to experience, explore, and play with fruits and vegetables prior to consumption. This hands-on engagement fosters a connection to the food they eat, enabling them to see it as something that grows rather than something merely packaged or canned. When children feel more comfortable with food, they are more likely to try it.
As a parent, I hope more schools adopt this engaging methodology. My wife, who works in education, is currently developing a garden program that echoes this philosophy of merging nutrition, education, and experiential learning. Although aimed at middle schoolers, this initiative will teach students how to cultivate fruits and vegetables in the school’s garden and greenhouse. They will learn about the nutritional benefits of their harvest, as well as the journey of food from plant to plate. By the school year’s end, they’ll deliver their produce to the cafeteria for their own meals and their classmates’ as well. This approach aims to enhance students’ understanding of where food comes from and help them appreciate healthy eating as part of their daily lives.
Unfortunately, many children in America are becoming increasingly disconnected from food production, which is concerning. Growing up near my grandfather’s farm, I often helped harvest vegetables, an experience that seems less common today. This disconnect means children are missing out on vital lessons about healthy eating. Programs like the one at Perea Preschool are essential, especially in food deserts where children have limited access to fresh produce. These initiatives are crucial for helping children understand nutrition and develop healthy habits.
I believe I speak for many parents when I say that we would love to see more schools adopt the successful strategies employed at Perea Preschool. For additional insights on home insemination, you might find our post here informative. If you’re looking for reliable resources on artificial insemination, check out this site, as they offer valuable information. For those navigating the complexities of pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD is an excellent resource.
In summary, Perea Preschool’s innovative approach to nutrition education through play and interaction demonstrates the importance of connecting children with the food they eat. By fostering curiosity and exploration, they are helping children develop healthier eating habits and a deeper understanding of food.