Early Sprouts: Cultivating Healthy Food Choices in Young Children

by Karrie Kalich, Dottie Bauer, Deirdre McPartlin

To counteract the prevalence of childhood obesity and to establish lifelong healthy eating habits, this research-based early childhood curriculum is designed to increase children’s preferences for nutritious fruits and vegetables. The tested “seed-to-table” approach will engage preschoolers in all aspects of planting, growing, and eating organically grown foods. Also included are recipes children can help prepare and ways to involve the whole family in making healthy food choices. These activities can be tailored to fit any early childhood program, climate, or geographical region.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Diya]

This was a really interesting read! I'm trying to read more non-fiction, and non-fiction that relates to nature and the environment specifically, so this was a great starting point.

[Sandra Clark]

This is a pretty good book with ideas for gardening and healthy choices curriculum among early learners. The second half of the book is full of recipes and activity choices. It's also in a size that is easy to photo copy for the classroom. But I felt that it was lacking in some ways scientifically and that it could have included more specific and practical advice about integrating garden programs and outdoor learning in the school environment. Still, it's a worthwhile book. We need more of them.

[Ashley]

A 24 week curriculum for introducing preschoolers to veggies- from gardening, growing, and harvesting to sensory exploration activities to preparing and cooking food. There are six focus vegetables: carrots, swiss chard, green beans, tomatoes, butternut squash, and bell peppers (coming from the root, leaf, stem, seeds, and fruit parts of plants), with corresponding intriguing, simple recipes. A great program for the harvest season!

[Julie]

This is one of the few books I could find about gardening with pre-school children. Laid out for educators/child care providers, the activities are well organized and explained. I particularly liked the recipes for eating the wonderful things you will grow in your garden, and they could easily be used for those not gardening but shopping at the farmers' market or with a CSA. I just realized there is an Early Sprouts Cookbook, and I hope to check that out as well.