Use the Family Connection on the first day of teaching the program. Involving parents reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and may encourage parents to become classroom volunteers. The letter is located in each student workbook and can be printed separately as a PDF available in English and Spanish.

Teaching this through distance learning? Explore tips and tools for teaching nutrition resources online.

English

Spanish

Use these short, nutrition messages below to share through your communication channels with your families. 

• Lesson 1 – Eat All Five to Thrive!
  Your child is learning that foods work together to give their bodies strength and energy. They are also recognizing the main health function of each food group. Your child is being encouraged to plan their meals and snacks to include choices from the five food groups. You can also plan family meals and snacks to include all five-food groups to support your family’s health.
  
  
• Lesson 2 – Healthy Choices, Healthy Me!
  Two eating occasions that are particularly important include breakfast and snacks. Your child is learning that a balanced breakfast includes foods from at least three food groups; balanced snacks include foods from at least two food groups. Talk with your child about the kinds of breakfast and snack foods you enjoyed when you were growing up. Are they the same as your child’s or different?
  
  
• Lesson 3 – Farm to My Plate
  While learning about how food gets from the farm to their table, your child is discovering that food processing allows the maintenance of a nutritious and safe food supply. Your child is also learning about the importance of food safety throughout the cycle of food production; handling; storage and preparation. Show your child the various steps you take in your own kitchen, like washing hands before food preparation, to model these healthy behaviors.
  
  
• Lesson 4 – Our Food Influences
  Families – parents and caregivers – are a child’s first and most important role model for healthy habits. Families influence the food environment at home; thus, what your child does or does not eat. As your child gets older, they experience more influences outside of the home – friends, classmates, teachers or coaches. Remind your child that relying on the five food groups to drive their food choices is a healthy habit.
  
  
• Lesson 5 – Better Beverages!
  Drinking water throughout the day is important for adults and children, as they can dehydrate quickly, especially on hot days. Your child is learning some signs of dehydration: feeling thirsty, headaches, dry mouth, or lips. Water is a “go-to” drink between meals to stay hydrated. Equipping your child with a re-usable water bottle is a good step to take. Offer nutrient-rich drinks like milk and 100% juice at meals and snack times to support your child’s growth and development.

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