Teaching children the importance of sound nutrition gives them the tools they need to make healthy choices now and throughout their lives. A nutritious diet allows children to grow and develop, makes it easier to concentrate in school and can help protect them from health concerns that include heart disease, diabetes and obesity. However, making it fun is the key to getting kids to pay attention and get something out of the material presented.
Kids Health
Kids Health is a comprehensive website with material about nutrition that is specifically targeted to children. The Nutrition and Fitness Center offers articles outlining what good nutrition entails, how to choose nutritious foods and how to use exercise combined with healthy eating to stay fit and prevent health problems. The Mission Nutrition game gives children the chance to demonstrate their knowledge regarding nutrition. Also included are recipes and articles that provide advice and information for children who have special dietary needs and/or food allergies. Kids Health offers a subscription to a free weekly newsletter geared toward children; you can subscribe at KidsHealth.org.
MyPyramid for Kids
Offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, MyPyramid for Kids offers specific information about the nutritional needs of kids with resources for both parents and children. A printable poster allows children to view what the food groups are and what things belong in each one of them. The MyPyramid Blast Off Game helps children understand which foods are fuel for their bodies and how they fit into the pyramid. Worksheets and coloring pages make learning about the pyramid fun, and many classroom resources are also offered for teachers who teach the subject of nutrition.
Super Kids Nutrition
Super Kids Nutrition provides a wide variety of materials for kids about nutrition for both at home and at school. Coloring sheets and worksheets are available in English and Spanish and include age-appropriate activities for children in preschool up to grade eight. A book review section provides reading suggestions for children and includes plenty of storybooks for them to read. Links are provided that include additional information about childhood nutrition. Curriculum ideas are included that have more activities for children of all ages to participate in. The Super Crew for Kids page includes online games, activities and information geared toward children.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association's website contains several activities that teach children the basics of good nutrition and its importance to their health. The Nutrition Flash Cards give kids a go-to resource for figuring out what nutrients are in certain foods and if they fit within a healthy diet. The My Family Health Tree allows children to see which health conditions they are at risk of developing and what good nutrition can do to prevent these health problems. The Scavenger Hunt game lets children find healthy foods around the house, and the What Am I Really Drinking? tool compares different beverages and how they fit in a healthy eating plan.
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