Lets Get Fit!
As a parent of a preschooler we need to be aware of what physical fitness they need. Children need a certain amount of exercise daily to help their brain and body develop appropriately. Below are simple suggestions and or reasons to get your child moving and to keep them fit!
Preschoolers need to exercise to avoid obesity and other serious health issues
Physical fitness is important for their motor skill development
Malnutrition can occur in a child who is not healthy
Play ball for ten minutes a day, not only does it develop hand eye coordination, it improves self esteem and positive social interaction
Make sure that your child is well hydrated to avoid fatigue or more serious illnesses
As the adult it is important for you to model these activities for your child. Children learn by watching. The more active you are the more active they will be. Educate your child on healthy food choices, if you teach them now when they are older they will make better choices. You can ultimately save your child’s life by feeding them healthier foods and teaching them to stay active. I like to set aside 30 minutes a day right after dinner to be active. You can walk, kick a ball back and forth or ( a pre-schoolers favorite) play hide and seek! If it is raining do floor excercises or yoga in the living room. It is very simple and will give your child a healthier life!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating habits are so important for our children. From birth throughout their child hood children depend on us to make the correct decisions for them. We can protect our children from diseases and other health issues just by introducing them to HEALTHY FOODS! When they are born they start off with the healthiest food possible breast milk helps to strengthen their immune system and give them the proper nutrients needed for a healthy start. As they get older we start introducing them to foods. Notice that the baby food jars are fruits and vegetables, you don’t find cheetos in a jar. When they start eating solid foods is where I think most parents start making mistakes. It is easier to hand them a cookie or something else to gnaw on then to steam or boil vegetables for a snack.
As they get older we continue with that bad habit. It is never too late to change those habits though! We as parents have all the control! We can pack healthy lunches and we can plan healthy dinners! Try to sit down on Sunday night and plan five healthy meals for the week. If you have it written out and all the ingredients written down then it is easier to make the dinners. Remember that if they are not introduced to it, then it doesn’t exist. You can’t protect your children from bad foods. They will try them at school or at friends houses, but you can set the example for them. The better you eat, the better choices they are going to make as they grow.
In the following I have included five healthy recipes. My challenge for you is to try them for one week and see how your family likes them. I guarantee they will not only like them but they will feel better about themselves physically and mentally…
This is one of the most fun black bean recipes I know. These are popular with kids. (This recipe makes one large tortilla stack, which might serve one hungry eater or two kids. Multiply the amounts as needed for more servings. You can also use small tortillas and have each person make his/her own.)
Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
1 cup/250 mL medium salsa
1/2 cup/125 mL water
1 can (5.5 oz/156 mL) tomato paste
1 can (15 oz/540 mL) black beans, drained
1 can (12 oz/341 mL) corn, drained
1/2 cup/125 mL fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups/500 mL Monteray Jack cheese, grated
4 soft small tortillas
In a bowl, combine the salsa, water and tomato paste.
In another bowl, combine the beans, corn and cilantro.
Place a tortilla on a greased baking sheet.
Top with 1/3 of the salsa mixture, 1/3 of the bean mixture, and 1/4 of the cheese.
Top with another tortilla and repeat as above.
Repeat. (Another tortilla, etc.)
End with the last tortilla.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted (about 10-12 minutes).
Orange Chicken Recipe with Rosemary
This orange chicken recipe is one of the best poultry quick meals I know. Just mix together a few ingredients, pour them over some poultry, and pop it all in the oven.
Preheat oven to 350F/175C.
1 lb/500 g chicken pieces, boneless and skinless
1 tsp/5 mL paprika
1 tsp/5 mL pepper
6 oz/180 mL frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed (not diluted)
1 tsp/5 mL rosemary
1 tsp/5 mL thyme
1 tsp/5 mL marjoram
Place the chicken in a casserole dish with a lid.
Sprinkle with paprika and pepper.
Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken.
Bake for about 1 hour, covered, until no longer pink inside.
Almond chicken salad
Ingredients
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, halved
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground dry mustard
Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the onions, carrot, red pepper, peas, chicken, cilantro and almonds. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, teriyaki sauce and dry mustard until smooth. Pour over salad mixture and toss until coated. Serve in pita pockets or on a bed of lettuce.
Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup hot water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat oil in large skillet. Saute onion in oil for 1 minute, or until tender. Remove onion and set aside. Brown pork chops on both sides in oil.
3. Place chops in an 8x12 inch baking dish and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cover the chops with the apples and cooked onion.
4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, cloves and water. Pour over chops. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!
Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 dash liquid smoke flavoring
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (4 pound) whole salmon fillet
Directions
1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, liquid smoke, and vinegar.
3. Brush one side of the salmon with the basting sauce. Place the salmon on the grill, basted side down. After about 7 minutes, generously baste the top, and turn over. Cook for about 8 more minutes, then brush on more basting sauce, turn, and cook for 2 minutes. Take care not to overcook the salmon as it will loose its juices and flavor if cooked too long.
Healthy eating habits are so important for our children. From birth throughout their child hood children depend on us to make the correct decisions for them. We can protect our children from diseases and other health issues just by introducing them to HEALTHY FOODS! When they are born they start off with the healthiest food possible breast milk helps to strengthen their immune system and give them the proper nutrients needed for a healthy start. As they get older we start introducing them to foods. Notice that the baby food jars are fruits and vegetables, you don’t find cheetos in a jar. When they start eating solid foods is where I think most parents start making mistakes. It is easier to hand them a cookie or something else to gnaw on then to steam or boil vegetables for a snack.
As they get older we continue with that bad habit. It is never too late to change those habits though! We as parents have all the control! We can pack healthy lunches and we can plan healthy dinners! Try to sit down on Sunday night and plan five healthy meals for the week. If you have it written out and all the ingredients written down then it is easier to make the dinners. Remember that if they are not introduced to it, then it doesn’t exist. You can’t protect your children from bad foods. They will try them at school or at friends houses, but you can set the example for them. The better you eat, the better choices they are going to make as they grow.
In the following I have included five healthy recipes. My challenge for you is to try them for one week and see how your family likes them. I guarantee they will not only like them but they will feel better about themselves physically and mentally…
This is one of the most fun black bean recipes I know. These are popular with kids. (This recipe makes one large tortilla stack, which might serve one hungry eater or two kids. Multiply the amounts as needed for more servings. You can also use small tortillas and have each person make his/her own.)
Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
1 cup/250 mL medium salsa
1/2 cup/125 mL water
1 can (5.5 oz/156 mL) tomato paste
1 can (15 oz/540 mL) black beans, drained
1 can (12 oz/341 mL) corn, drained
1/2 cup/125 mL fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups/500 mL Monteray Jack cheese, grated
4 soft small tortillas
In a bowl, combine the salsa, water and tomato paste.
In another bowl, combine the beans, corn and cilantro.
Place a tortilla on a greased baking sheet.
Top with 1/3 of the salsa mixture, 1/3 of the bean mixture, and 1/4 of the cheese.
Top with another tortilla and repeat as above.
Repeat. (Another tortilla, etc.)
End with the last tortilla.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted (about 10-12 minutes).
Orange Chicken Recipe with Rosemary
This orange chicken recipe is one of the best poultry quick meals I know. Just mix together a few ingredients, pour them over some poultry, and pop it all in the oven.
Preheat oven to 350F/175C.
1 lb/500 g chicken pieces, boneless and skinless
1 tsp/5 mL paprika
1 tsp/5 mL pepper
6 oz/180 mL frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed (not diluted)
1 tsp/5 mL rosemary
1 tsp/5 mL thyme
1 tsp/5 mL marjoram
Place the chicken in a casserole dish with a lid.
Sprinkle with paprika and pepper.
Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken.
Bake for about 1 hour, covered, until no longer pink inside.
Almond chicken salad
Ingredients
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, halved
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground dry mustard
Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the onions, carrot, red pepper, peas, chicken, cilantro and almonds. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, teriyaki sauce and dry mustard until smooth. Pour over salad mixture and toss until coated. Serve in pita pockets or on a bed of lettuce.
Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup hot water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat oil in large skillet. Saute onion in oil for 1 minute, or until tender. Remove onion and set aside. Brown pork chops on both sides in oil.
3. Place chops in an 8x12 inch baking dish and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cover the chops with the apples and cooked onion.
4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, cloves and water. Pour over chops. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!
Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 dash liquid smoke flavoring
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (4 pound) whole salmon fillet
Directions
1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, liquid smoke, and vinegar.
3. Brush one side of the salmon with the basting sauce. Place the salmon on the grill, basted side down. After about 7 minutes, generously baste the top, and turn over. Cook for about 8 more minutes, then brush on more basting sauce, turn, and cook for 2 minutes. Take care not to overcook the salmon as it will loose its juices and flavor if cooked too long.
What to do in a choking or CPR emergency…
Last week we had an emergency. A little boy in our class was quite curious about some sorting coins we have. I saw him eyeing them and even had to take one out of his mouth at one point. The next thing I know he has a panicked look on his face. When I asked him several times what was wrong and he wouldn’t answer I realized that he was choking. He was panicking and gasping for air which was making the situation worse. Luckily I have a Red Cross poster in the room that we go over every week with our employees. It reads;
If you think a child is choking, ask the child "Are you choking?" If he nods, tell him you are going to help.
1. Kneel or stand firmly behind him and wrap your arms around him so that your hands are in front.
2. Make a fist with one hand.
3. Put the thumb side of your fist slightly above the navel (belly button) and well below the breastbone.
4. Grasp the fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts into his abdomen.
5. Give thrusts until the object is forced out and he can breathe, cough, or talk or until he stops responding.
When he finally spit out the coin, I was so relieved. My co worker who was keeping the other children calm and on stand by to call 911 brought the children outside to play while I calmed the little boy down. I gave him some water and let him rest. Then I called his mother to let her know what had happened. We could have avoided this situation by making sure we have age appropriate toys for the children. We now have once a month emergency meetings to go over the Heimlich maneuver and our employees are also required to take mandatory CPR training.
If the little boy had needed CPR we would have done the following;
Lay the child on their back and blow deep breaths of air into their mouth. Keep your eyes on the childs chest to see if their lungs are responding. Tilt the chin back when giving air. After giving air push on the chest, do so in a pattern. If the child does not respond call 911.
Last week we had an emergency. A little boy in our class was quite curious about some sorting coins we have. I saw him eyeing them and even had to take one out of his mouth at one point. The next thing I know he has a panicked look on his face. When I asked him several times what was wrong and he wouldn’t answer I realized that he was choking. He was panicking and gasping for air which was making the situation worse. Luckily I have a Red Cross poster in the room that we go over every week with our employees. It reads;
If you think a child is choking, ask the child "Are you choking?" If he nods, tell him you are going to help.
1. Kneel or stand firmly behind him and wrap your arms around him so that your hands are in front.
2. Make a fist with one hand.
3. Put the thumb side of your fist slightly above the navel (belly button) and well below the breastbone.
4. Grasp the fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts into his abdomen.
5. Give thrusts until the object is forced out and he can breathe, cough, or talk or until he stops responding.
When he finally spit out the coin, I was so relieved. My co worker who was keeping the other children calm and on stand by to call 911 brought the children outside to play while I calmed the little boy down. I gave him some water and let him rest. Then I called his mother to let her know what had happened. We could have avoided this situation by making sure we have age appropriate toys for the children. We now have once a month emergency meetings to go over the Heimlich maneuver and our employees are also required to take mandatory CPR training.
If the little boy had needed CPR we would have done the following;
Lay the child on their back and blow deep breaths of air into their mouth. Keep your eyes on the childs chest to see if their lungs are responding. Tilt the chin back when giving air. After giving air push on the chest, do so in a pattern. If the child does not respond call 911.
On California’s central coast we deal with earthquakes. It is not uncommon for our class to be disrupted by a little tremor once or twice a month. Fortunately they do not get very big but we have to be prepared for a big one. Once a month we go over our earthquake drill. The bell rings and all the children drop to the ground and crawl under their desks. Once the bell stops we head out the door in a line. The first person out takes the emergency backpack and the last person scans the room for people before leaving. Our meeting spot (if anyone gets separated) is always the same. We meet out at the base ball diamond. Once there I go over my roll sheet to make sure everyone is present. Once everyone is accounted for we check for injuries.
If this were a real earthquake and someone was indeed injured we have our emergency pack stocked with every thing we need. There are gloves, band aides, gauze, splint, flashlight, emergency cards with parents and child"s info, and water. As soon as we are safe and accounted for we would start to call parents. If able to. Our goal is to keep each child safe and calm. We also ask our families to practice drills at home with their children and also talk to them so that if an emergency does occur the children know what is expected and are less likely to be scared and confused.
We do the same for fire drills. Once a month we meet. Our meeting spot is the same. The only real difference is that instead of going under our desks we drop and crawl to the door. Once outside we line up and head to the diamond where we take roll. Where we live environmentally fires and earthquakes are our only real threats. I think we are prepared for a disaster. I feel that we have prepared our children to act appropriately in those situations as well.
If this were a real earthquake and someone was indeed injured we have our emergency pack stocked with every thing we need. There are gloves, band aides, gauze, splint, flashlight, emergency cards with parents and child"s info, and water. As soon as we are safe and accounted for we would start to call parents. If able to. Our goal is to keep each child safe and calm. We also ask our families to practice drills at home with their children and also talk to them so that if an emergency does occur the children know what is expected and are less likely to be scared and confused.
We do the same for fire drills. Once a month we meet. Our meeting spot is the same. The only real difference is that instead of going under our desks we drop and crawl to the door. Once outside we line up and head to the diamond where we take roll. Where we live environmentally fires and earthquakes are our only real threats. I think we are prepared for a disaster. I feel that we have prepared our children to act appropriately in those situations as well.
I am focusing on preschoolers. Preschoolers are being introduced for the first time to the school environment. They need to learn to follow simple directions, socialization, etiquette, hygiene and how to follow rules. It is very important that the environment that they are in is a safe and clean environment. Preschoolers do not have very long attention spans and need to be reminded of rules repeatedly. Remember some have never been introduced to rules before, it is an entirely new concept for them.
In our room we have the rules posted, next to each rule is a little picture that represents that rule. Every morning we go over those rules so that they are reminded of what they are and what is expected of them. Now obviously, seeing as how young they are they are going to forget and even test boundaries. Therefore it is our job to make sure the area is safe. The playground equipment is checked everyday for damages. The ground is looked over for anything that might be dangerous for the children.
We also model proper hygiene for the children. Before every meal we wash hands. When we leave the bathroom we wash hands. We even have a little song that we sing while we wash our hands to make it fun and to make sure they are washing thoroughly. When we sneeze or cough we do so into the crook of our arm. It is important to us that they learn this because sneezing into their hands only spreads germs. When the children leave for the day we have a cleaning checklist that the staff signs off on. The health of our children in so important, I take it very seriously. My own son’s health was damaged because of an unclean environment.
Another important thing we do is practice our emergency drills. Twice a month we practice our drills, someone is the “leader” and the “ender”. We all meet in a specific area and have a roll sheet to make sure everyone is there. Our staff also meets once a month to go over any updated emergency information. We have information sheets and also do role play. We want our staff to be calm and collected during an emergency so that we can focus all of our attention on the children and their safety.
Hello everyone! My name is Kaleena, I am 25 and I live in beautiful California! I have two wonderful sons, one is six his name is Auden and the other is 8 months his name is Questen. I have a great fiancee as well. I am very blessed! I grew up in Santa Cruz and now reside in Hollister, I miss the beach but it is only 30 min away! I wanted to let you know a little about me and why I am writing this blog.
I have worked with children for 6 years now. I work with the school district. I love my job. I am actually happy to go to work everyday! The children mean the world to me, I am very concerned about their safety and well being. I am currently in school finishing my bachelor's in child development. The reason I am majoring in child development is because I wanted to be as knowledgeable as I could about children. I want to know bout safety, nutrition, and education. I want to take all my knowledge and experiences and post them so that you might be able to use the information positively. And if you have experiences or questions please let me know! I look forward to blogging with you!
I have worked with children for 6 years now. I work with the school district. I love my job. I am actually happy to go to work everyday! The children mean the world to me, I am very concerned about their safety and well being. I am currently in school finishing my bachelor's in child development. The reason I am majoring in child development is because I wanted to be as knowledgeable as I could about children. I want to know bout safety, nutrition, and education. I want to take all my knowledge and experiences and post them so that you might be able to use the information positively. And if you have experiences or questions please let me know! I look forward to blogging with you!
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