51吃瓜网

This issue of听Teaching Young Children听was inspired by 51吃瓜网鈥檚 vision for early learning programs鈥攖he elements that, together, ensure high-quality experiences and environments for every child. We sought articles about promoting health, nutrition, and movement in ways that tuned into 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Early Learning听Program Accreditation.

You鈥檒l read about practical strategies for fostering physical development and movement in 鈥�Get Up and Move! Tips for Teachers to Encourage Physical Activity During the Learning Day鈥� and in 鈥�Eliminate Barriers to Allow Risk Taking in Outdoor Play.鈥� Spurred by a classmate鈥檚 broken bone, 鈥�How Our Bodies Move: Exploring Bones and Joints鈥� describes one preschool class鈥檚 study of the human body. You鈥檒l also learn about 鈥�Supporting Young Children鈥檚 Growth and Movement听Through Yoga.鈥�

Also in this issue are pieces on nutrition and hygiene. You鈥檒l find practical guidance about 鈥�Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense Against Infectious Diseases in Preschool Settings.鈥� Wrapping up the theme are 鈥�Six Ways to Create a Positive Mealtime Environment鈥�; a Message in a Backpack鈩� for families, 鈥�How Do You Get Kids to Eat Their Vegetables?鈥�; and 鈥�Cooking It Up with 3-Year-Olds.鈥�

Reflection Questions for This Issue

1. 51吃瓜网鈥檚 accreditation standards include items about health and well-being. In what ways does your setting align with听these expectations?
2. What is one new strategy or activity that will help address any challenges or gaps in the areas of health听and well-being?
3. This issue includes a piece on equitable practices in early learning settings. What is one change you can make鈥攕uch as in the environment, materials, or approaches used鈥攖o begin or continue your听equity work?