Portfolio Item 6 Kidspiration & Week 9 Reflective Post

Click Here To View Portfilio 6 – crunchy_baked_bananass-portfolio-6.doc 

Children need practical skill development in preparing healthy food and often what little cooking children have done in the past has been around preparing high fat and sugar treats. This cooking program encourages children to prepare their own fruit meal/snack. It enables many children who are unused to excelling in academic work to take a lead in learning practical skills, such as group work and so forth. The topic is dedicated to improving the lifelong eating habits of children and teenagers. Children will learn by doing the things they enjoy and have developed a variety of food related activities that will provide fun and learning. The diverse range of food related activities provide opportunities for young people to develop new skills and gain an understanding of the importance of fresh foods. I believe that it is important for young people to know how to look after themselves and i have made health and safety an integral part of each program. (NSW Department of Health, 2006). 

What will the children actually learn from the task?
• Observing and participating in food activities that are age appropriate
• Learning how to prepare and cook fresh food.
• Learning how to follow recipes.
• Learning kitchen safety and hygiene.
• Having lots of hands on experiences.
• Communicating with other children.
• Gaining confidence and new skills. (NSW Department of Health, 2006). 

The skills and learning abilities that kids develop through the topic include:
• Sensory learning: Tasting, hearing, smelling and seeing.
• Motor skill development: Hand, eye, mind coordination.
• Mathematical concepts: Counting, measuring & following directions.
• Safety: Using equipment safely and developing sound hygiene habits.
• Social skills: Working with others, sharing & learning to cooperate.
• Language skills: Lots of new word and communication experiences.
• Children also develop time management skills and a better understanding of nutrition.(NSW Department of Health, 2006). 

My topic can link into many of the KLA’s. For example,this topic can link into the Board of Studies Stage 3-PDHPE Outcomes. (http://www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/docs/tooty_fruity/classroom/stage_3/stage_3_links.pdf)

Examples and Case studies of my topic include;

1. Western Australian “Kids in the Kitchen” program

2. An exciting program involving primary schools is being conducted in the Moreland area, “fun ‘n’ healthy in Moreland!”

3. Moreover, there are multiple Programs, projects and lessons in each State and Territory for healthy eating topics and so forth.

Reference List

NSW Department of Health. (2006). Tooty Fruity Vegie Program, Kids in the Kitchen

Retrieved on May 13, 2008, from

http://www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/tooty-fruity/index.php?pageid=1224&siteid=204