From Start to Finish: Developing a ReFresh-ing Curriculum for 4th and 5th Grades

Abstract

Objective:To develop and pilot a nutrition education curriculum for 4th and 5th graders that reinforces concepts from several elementary school content areas and is aligned with Maryland Common Core Standards. Target audience: 4th and 5th grade students, teachers and school community. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: Theory of Planned Behavior. Description: ReFresh curriculum focuses on encouraging students to consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and become more physically active through interactive experiences, food demonstrations and tastings. Each of the 8 monthly units include(s) lessons that link to common 4th and 5th grade curriculum themes, and seasons throughout the year.Units include anoverviewwith teacher tips to link to the Common Core, pre-teaching activities, an introductory lesson with food tasting and associated handouts, materials list, reinforcement lessons, student journal, morning announcements, parent newsletter and optional activities to reinforce the nutrition education messages. Send-home materials are translated into Spanish. Pilot curriculum was developed and adopted in 14 schools throughout the state during the 2011 school year. Evaluation: Standardized evaluation formwas developed and used during telephone interviews providing feedback from instructors. Curriculum revisions included input on application for classroom use by elementary school teachers and incorporation of evaluation comments. Conclusions and Implications: Revised curriculum includes change in graphic design and format for ease of use by FSNE educators and classroom teachers. During 2012-2013 school-year the program has expanded to after-school programs. Program re-evaluation will occur Summer 2013. Funding: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.