A Berry Healthy Family

My husband Bill and I just visited our granddaughter’s, class of 4 & 5 year olds. Her teacher invited families to share something special about their themselves. Our daughter suggested we do the same workshop that we do in schools that teaches children about good nutrition to help prevent childhood obesity.  Since we were scheduled for snack time, fruit seemed a good food for demonstration.

Bill’s “funny food” images were used to spark the kids’ imagination to create their own healthy food plates.

The kids had fun identifying what the images portrayed and the fruit used to make them. They giggled and could hardly contain their joy.  In the process we mentioned how important it is to eat fruit. And they learned that fruits of various colors have different nutrients that our bodies need to keep us strong.

In small groups, Bill and Daniela modeled how to make inventive and healthy images with a variety of fruits and then the children made their own.

We brought blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries and cut up clementines, apples and pears. And raisins, which make great eyes, noses, hair and buttons.

The children’s creations were photographed and then they ate them up with gusto! Many asked if they could make another.

In this kind of hands-on playful atmosphere, children learn that healthy foods can also be delicious.

For inspirational images see funnyfood.us.  And visit us on Facebook at Funny Food Art.