View, Do, Read
What is the View, Do, Read Model? To get the most from the TV you and your children watch, create a Ready To Learn learning triangle. A learning triangle is TV that teaches + storybooks + activities — all related to one theme or skill. The learning triangle can follow any order, at any time!
January 2013 — "Happy New Year!"
By Krysanne Bryan, Educational Programs and Services Intern
This month marks the start of a brand new year. Normally, when people think of January, they think of their New Years Resolutions and often say to themselves "How can I make things better this year?" Some common answers to that question range from watching less television and reading more books, to learning something new or meeting new people. The one resolution that never fails to make an appearance is being healthy. Often people start exercising right away and start eating healthier as well, so it came as no surprise to me that January is National Staying Healthy Month, as it is almost guaranteed that this is the one month where a majority of people, adults and children, make an effort to be healthier and stay that way.
For over 40 years, Sesame Street has provided children with a great foundation for success in life. Some of our favorite characters have taught children valuable lessons on thriving in school, maintaining healthy relationships and appreciating one another. Kids learn how to interact with each other and resolve problems by observing the dynamic between Bert and Ernie. They learn about the importance of friendships and appreciating each other's differences through Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus. Let's not forget Grover, and Cookie Monster who never fail to teach kids about what it means to be polite and have good manners. That's not all! The Count, Elmo, and many other essential Sesame Street friends have been educating children for years on what it means to be a good student, a good friend and a good person. Your children can join their favorite Sesame Street characters every weekday at 6am and 10am on WHYY.
National Staying Healthy Month isn't just for parents, it's for children too! It's important that this year, and especially this month, you let them know that they can stay healthy while still having a great time. There are definitely some things you can do in order to make this happen:
Turn off the TV!
Many kids today spend a lot of their time sitting around the house in front of the TV, either watching it or playing video games that require little to no physical effort. Let your child take 2 or 3 hours away from the TV to explore other options because there are so many fun and exciting things to do outdoors. They can go to the park and play with some friends or they can take up a sport and learn what it's like to be a part of a team. They can even go outside and ride their bikes, go skating, or even walk the dog. Fresh air and exercise are what help our kids stay in tip top shape.
Switch up the Snacks...
There are definitely healthy alternatives to some of your children's favorite snacks. The greasy potato chips that they love to eat can be replaced by healthier baked versions. Sweet Potato Fries are a sweet and healthy substitute for regular ones, and of course there are hamburger alternatives like turkey burgers and veggie burgers. Encourage eating vegetables with snacks like celery and peanut butter, or vegetables in a nice healthy dipping sauce. You can even come up with some healthy recipes and alternatives together!
Join in!
It will be fun for your child and fun for you as well if you do many of these things together. Riding a bike alone is not as fun as riding a bike with your mom and dad, and what fun is eating a healthy snack if you can't share it with your parents? Kids are more likely to stick to a habit if they see their parents practicing similar ones. So by taking the time to partake in these activities with your child, you'll be setting a great example on what it means to stay healthy and practice good health habits.
- Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook by Nicola Graimes
This book is full of fun and healthy recipes that allow your child to better think about what they eat and how it may affect their bodies without making it sound like a lesson on healthy eating. - Oh the Things You Can Do That Are Good for You! All About Staying Healthy by Tish Rabe
The Cat in the Hat is back in this book where he explains the importance of healthy eating, exercise, and getting enough sleep among many other important factors that contribute to living a healthy life. - My Amazing Body: A First Look at Health and Fitness by Pat Thomas
This book explains health and fitness in an easy and simple way that younger children can understand. It is full of pictures that take a deeper look at the importance of maintaining good health. - Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick
Germs are everywhere, and this book teaches children how to practice good hygiene and keep from getting those germs. It covers everything from how to sneeze and cough to washing your hands with tips for parents and caregivers as well. - The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell
In this book, author Lizzy Rockwell explains how the parts of your body work together to accomplish the amazing things that it can do! Whether it's running, jumping, skipping or hopping, our heart, lungs and muscles work hard to make sure we can stay active.
Enjoy this month's View, Do, Read? Explore our archives for more fun ideas!
