Research Project 1

Research Project Essay

Maha Mateen
8705159
College Reading & Writing Skills- COMM1085
Ayesha Altaher
April 10, 2020
Research Project 2

Children are like sponges; they absorb everything they see. One of the best ways

a child can learn is by observing their surroundings; they pay attention to the world

around them. Children watch and imitate behaviours that we display including our eating

habits. In an early childhood environment, children imitate behaviors by watching and

listening to their peers around them. It is considered important to develop healthy eating

patterns earlier in life because having good nutrition is one of the key ingredients to a

healthy lifestyle. Making healthy food choices is essential for child development. Early

years are an opportunity to teach healthy habits that stay with children as they grow.

Educators in the early childhood environment, play an important part in shaping

children’s eating habits. Educators and peers in the early childhood environment can

help influence children to make healthier choices at an early age. As visual learners,

children are able to pick up eating habits and behaviours from those they see around in

their learning environment such as their families, their peers and their communities.

Educators can role model and promote healthy food choices in an early childhood

environment by following three simple steps; creating and modelling a healthy eating

atmosphere, teaching children about healthy eating patterns and providing information

to parents, caregivers and the community around them about healthy food habits.

Educators can create and help model a healthy eating atmosphere (Healthy

Eating Advisory Service, 2013, para.6) by modeling positive reinforcements. They can

encourage children about the healthy food choices they are making. Educators can be

positive role models with a variety of food; this means also valuing the child’s interest

and liking towards certain foods. “Not everyone likes every food, and that’s okay.

Encourage kids to say “no, thank you” or teach them what you would like them to say or
Research Project 3

do if they don’t want to eat something” (HealthLinkBC, 2017, p. 2). By respecting their

food choices as an educator; you are listening to them, and giving them value.

Therefore, encouraging them to build a positive relationship with you; which helps

create an active learning environment. As Educators it is important to make meal times

relaxing and comfortable. When children are stressed out and not able to express

themselves, they are not fully engaged in learning that’s happening around them. Sitting

and eating with children is also one of the ways educators can role model positive

eating habits (HealthLinkBC, 2017, p. 2). Children are more likely to be interested in

food when their teachers and peers are all siting and doing the same activity as them;

which is eating. According to the journal article called “Using Remote Peers’ Influence to

promote healthy food choices among preschoolers” Kim, E. B et al (2019) states,

“Children as young as 2 years old have been found to accept or reject novel foods when

live peer modeling was involved” (para. 2). When children see that their educators and

peers are consuming new food; they will automatically be encouraged to mirror them. In

order to promote healthy eating habits educators, need to talk about the benefits of

eating together (HealthLinkBC, 2017, p. 2). When everyone’s siting down on the table

and practising pro-social behaviours, it creates an engaging learning environment for

the children. Children learn by coping each other; they watch their parents, teachers,

and peers constantly. “Social norms and modelling have been identified to have

powerful effects on eating behaviour” (Kim, E. B et al., 2019, para. 1). Educators can

promote healthy eating by encouraging fussy eaters to try new foods and textures. They

can help increase their interest by making creative invitations to play around with their

food. “Play is how children make sense of their world and is an effective method of
Research Project 4

learning for young children” (Best Start Expel Panel on Early Learning, 2014, p. 9). By

being able to play with their food; children will increase their interest towards it;

therefore, eventually will be encouraged to try.

Educators can also promote healthy eating by teaching children about healthy

eating patterns (Healthy Eating Advisory Service, 2013, para.9-10). Educators can be

creative; involve children in group discussions through open-ended questions, games

and activities. They can spark curiosity in children through these activities, which

teaches and encourages them about healthy eating habits. “Children develop learning

strategies from first-hand actions with objects in their world and from exchanging points

of view with peers and adults” (Best Start Expel Panel on Early Learning, 2014, p. 9).

Some creative ways teachers can use to promote healthy eating behaviours in their

learning environment is by setting up a vegetable garden. They can encourage

children’s interactions in this activity and build interest. Later on, they can try some

cooking activities with the produce they have grown together. When children are

involved in the learning process, they show more interest and are absorbed in the

learning that’s happening around them. “Children are more likely to eat foods they help

you to prepare” (HealthLinkBC, 2017, p. 1). Since they have been involved in the

learning process from the beginning till the end result; children will most likely be willing

to try the food they helped made. Children can also be encouraged about healthy eating

patterns by taking them on a field trip to the farm or even the farmer’s market. They

would be encouraged to see and learn from the real farmers; this would also create an

interest in making healthy food choices and using fresh ingredients from the farmers

market. Having a variety of creative activities helps engage children in learning. For
Research Project 5

example, “Developing kits with a recipe and ingredients to send home to encourage

families to cook at home with children” (Kalich, K et al., 2012, p.169). Children would be

eager to involve their parents in their learning experience from the farm and this would

also encourage healthy eating at home. Another creative way, teachers can use to

promote healthy eating patterns is by having a compost bin or a worm farm. Educators

can introduce the topic in group interactions and create interest in children about

leftovers. They can learn the importance of not wasting food and only taking what they

can eat (Healthy Eating Advisory Service, 2013, para.8). Educators can encourage

healthy eating patterns in children by making mealtimes about building relationships.

They can also encourage quality time between families through mealtimes. “Eating

together provides a time to be connected. This helps children feel loved, safe, and

secure” (HealthLinkBC, 2017, p. 1). When children feel loved and valued there are able

to learn better. This encourages them to focus on their eating and creates healthy

eating behaviours.

Educators can also support healthy eating behaviours by providing information

about healthy food habits to parents, caregivers, and the community members around

them (Healthy Eating Advisory Service, 2013, para.8). It is important to involve

children’s families and the community members in order to promote growth in any

learning domain. “Families are the first and most powerful influence on children’s early

learning and development” (Best Start Expel Panel on Early Learning, 2014, p. 3).

Families are involved in the child’s day to day daily routine; children are constantly

learning from them. Educators can also promote healthy eating habits by working with

other staff members. For example, the cook and management on how to improve snack
Research Project 6

or meal times for children. “The web of family and community is the child’s anchor for

early development” (Best Start Expel Panel on Early Learning, 2014, p. 3). It is

important to have everyone aboard the ship if we want to reach the same destination

which is to promote healthy eating. When everyone involved in the child’s surrounding

cooperates, participates and plays their role; we are able to achieve great results. As

educators, its important to involve parents in the learning that happens in the early

childhood care centers. Passing on information to parent about healthy eating is another

way teachers can make sure children are practising healthy eating at home aswell.

Encouraging parents to involve their children when preparing meals (HealthLinkBC,

2017, p. 1). When children are involved in the process of cooking their meals; they are

more likely to eat it. Educators can also promote healthy eating in early childhood

settings by encouraging parents to volunteer during snack time or meal times. “Creating

events that involve family members to join their children in different cooking activities,

for example: Dad’s night out (Dads join their children in cooking activities in the

classroom)” (Kalich, K et al., 2012, p.169). When parents are involved and participating

in children’s learning activities; they are also unknowingly encouraging their learning.

Children are great learners and have amazing learning abilities. As role models,

educators and care givers need to demonstrate healthy eating behaviours so children

have healthy attitudes about food and develop lifelong healthy habits. Eating well is

fundamental to good health, well-being, and early childhood development.

Communicating and sharing between families and early childhood educators is an

important aspect of supporting healthy eating. Educators can involve parents in their

children’s learning by asking them about family recipes, traditions around food, or share
Research Project 7

cultural snacks that they introduce during meal times. Educators should also encourage

and involve parents in menu planning for their children. One of the ways to promote

healthy eating is to have healthy eating insert in monthly news letters for parents and

other caregivers to read about. As educators, our attitude influences the children in our

care; it is important to encourage and practise healthy food choices. “Family

involvement in early childhood settings benefits children and multiplies children’s

opportunities for learning” (Best Start Expel Panel on Early Learning, 2014, p. 3).

Educators, families and communities go hand in hand; its important to exercise and

promote healthy eating habits at school and at home aswell. It is important for educators

to be involved and engaged with children in order to promote and role model healthy

eating habits.
Research Project 8

References

Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning. (2014). Excerpts from “ELECT”. Retrieved

March 26, 2020, from

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/ExcerptsFromELECT.pdf

Healthy Eating Advisory Service. (2013). Promoting Healthy Eating in Early Childhood

Education and Care Services. Retrieved March 26, 2020, from

https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-services/promoting-healthy-eating-

early-childhood-education-and-care-services

HealthLinkBC. (2017). The Benefits of Eating Together for Children and Families.

Retrieved March 26, 2020, from

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/hlbc/files/healthyeating/pdf/the-benefits-of-eating-

together.pdf

Kalich, K., Russell, C., & Arnold, L. (2012). The Early Sprouts Cookbook: Vol. 1st ed.

Redleaf Press.

Kim, E. B et al., (2019). Using Remote Peers’ Influence to promote healthy food choices

among preschoolers. Developmental Psychology, 55(4), 703-708.

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fdev0000669