North Lamar ISD’s Bright Beginnings program gave some of its youngest learners a hands-on introduction to healthy habits during its Little Chefs family engagement event.
Pre-K students and their families began by learning the importance of proper handwashing. Students washed their hands, checked them for remaining germs and then had the opportunity to wash again, helping them see firsthand why good handwashing techniques matter.
Laura Graves with the Lamar County Extension Office then spoke with parents about healthy food choices and the new food pyramid before turning the lesson into a hands-on activity for the children. Graves demonstrated how to safely hold a knife and properly position their hands while cutting food.
Using preschool-friendly plastic knives and cutting boards, the Little Chefs practiced their new skills by cutting strawberries, kiwis, bananas and blueberries. The activity gave students the opportunity to build fine motor skills, practice kitchen safety and become more involved in preparing healthy foods.
Families were also equipped to continue the learning at home. Each child received an apron, cutting board and child-friendly knife to take home, along with a fun placemat to help keep their space clean while cooking or eating.
Bright Beginnings is part of North Lamar ISD’s Title I Parent and Family Engagement efforts and is designed to provide families of Pre-K-aged children with practical activities, resources and information they can use to support learning and development at home.
Through activities like Little Chefs, North Lamar ISD hopes to help families build healthy habits while giving children opportunities to learn through everyday experiences they can continue together at home.
