Veginvasion—coming to a classroom near you!
Health and Wellbeing is one area of Curriculum for Excellence that no-one can ignore, especially as Scotland has one of the worst records of obesity in the developed world. Helping children gain the knowledge they need to make good food choices is important and by working together we can promote healthier lifestyles now as well as better health in the future.
Veginvasion is a resource pack, aimed at Upper Nursery and P1 pupils, full of activities that complement the vegetable theme is a fun, practical way. It is designed to help pupils, teachers, parents and others who influence food choices by encouraging youngsters to experiment with different tastes as well as learn about vegetables, where they come from and why they are important in our diet.
It can also help children to overcome their perceived dislike and mistrust of unfamiliar foods and learn to enjoy new textures and flavours in a relaxed social setting.
What you said about Veginvasion ……..
“The children thoroughly enjoyed the veg. We made a display and had a touching table, the interest was enormous.”
“We made soup, had raw vegetable for snack and talked about where the food came from. There were endless opportunities for development of knowledge.”
“The whole learning experience was great for the children and is very easily adapted for cross curricular work.”
Veginvasion—an extra pair of helping hands!
We appreciate that not all school staff are comfortable working in this area, especially if they aren’t familiar with current healthy eating advice. For this reason we have been talking to nutrition experts at Queen Margaret University about utilizing 4th year students to come into the classroom and support school staff deliver Veginvasion.
Not only will you benefit from the student’s up to date knowledge and enthusiasm as well as an extra pair of hands to help chop, peel and slice, the student gains valuable practical experience in a school setting, a win/win situation! For more info on Veginvasion, email mshepherd@eastlothian.gov.uk or phone 01620 827236