Teachers & Parents Tool Kit

“Every day, we see that kids are increasingly unhealthy, but we have so much to do to teach to the test. The 5-2-1-Almost None message seems very easy to pick up and run with it.”
- 3rd grade teacher

“My kid thinks ‘good for you’ and ‘physical activity’ mean drudgery. Getting him motivated is so hard!”
- Parent of 10 yr old.

Providing opportunities for kids to experience proper nutrition and staying active is one important step parents and teachers can do to promote healthier lifestyles for our children.

There are so many ‘teachable moments’ in our daily lives. Be a role model and look for ways to reinforce the simple 5-2-1-Almost None message. Many kids actually realize the importance of healthy living, but they don't know how to go about it.

Resources

Use the resources available to you on this site. Together, we can make it easy to keep kids informed and active. You will find GetUp and 5-2-1-Almost None materials, as well as tested curriculum from We Can! ™ — a national education program of the National Institutes of Health designed to help children ages 8 – 13 stay at a healthy weight. If you teach or have younger children, check out these age-appropriate materials.

Need an activity plan for yourself?  Get inspired and look to  "Be Active Your Way" for ideas on starting and maintaining an action program for adults.

Word choice

Try not to use the words ‘healthy’ or ‘good for you’ when talking to kids about food. To a kid, that’s like saying let’s eat spinach (unless, of course they already love spinach!). Instead, coach your kids to be food experimenters, or chefs, and show by example. Introduce healthy eating as a new experience, perhaps using words like, 'let’s try something fresh from a local farm,’ or ‘let’s experiment with different tastes or cultures.’ Let the kids plan a menu from new recipes. Encourage them to have multiple colors on their plate.

Speaking of exercise

Saying 'physical activity,' or even worse ‘exercise,’ to an inactive child may be interpreted as running a marathon or partaking in a sport that they have already tried and disliked. Physical activity is much more acceptable when you speak of ‘active play’ or challenges such as, ‘see if you can beat me at this – its fun!’ Short durations are best when getting started. Simple fun passes quickly before kids even realize they are increasing physical activity levels – in fact, they may never see it that way – and that’s perfectly fine.

Want scientific proof of the benefit of outside nature play?  Click here.  Mom was right to send you out in the snow!

More Helpful Info

Use these helpful materials and information to make these healthy activities seem much less like a ‘have to do’ and more of a ‘want to do.’ Click here for activity logs, weekly meal planners, screen time logs and serving size descriptions, among others.

  • Parents, check out additional tips from experts at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton.  And click here to read some very interesting facts about TV viewing and the impact on our kids, in "TV Free: The Awful Truth About Television."

  • Check out these great tips for meal planning, daily activity and more, including ideas for how to deal with a picky eater, grocery and snack tips and ideas for healthy packed lunches.
  • Teachers, look here for helpful resources. To order large posters for your classroom click here. You can also print an 8x10 version in low, medium or high resolution, depending on your printing capabilities.
  • Look to GoZonkers.tv for a fun option for quick exercises you can do with your class (or at home) during 8 minute study breaks!  Research proves if they move, they learn better!
  • Here's a link to the GetUp 5-2-1-Almost None TV spot.  See if the kids recall seeing it!
  • Want your class to learn more about good nutrition? Click here for lessons plans, games and more from Nourish Interactive!  A wonderful resource! - NEW!