Nutrition Activities in the Classroom: The Practical Side
Q. List three safety checks when using electrical equipment:
A. Check cords for fraying or crimps; Handles, footings, and
tops should be secure; Cords should be securely plugged in approved
outlet; Cords are positioned out of reach.
Q. List three safety checks when selecting or purchasing
food supplies:
A. Check expiration dates; Chill and use perishable foods promptly;
Dry goods and other non-perishable foods should be in cans or
sealed/unopened containers.
Q. Cooked meats may turn "brown" and look cooked,
but may still contain harmful bacteria. What is the internal temperature
needed to destroy bacteria in meats such as ground beef and pork?
A. 160 degrees F.
Q. Some food activities are inappropriate for preschool
age children because of the potential for choking on foods. Foods
which may commonly cause choking include:
A. Popcorn, nuts, grapes, hot dogs, clumps of raisins, or peanut
butter.
Head Lice, That Pesky Problem
Q. Head lice may cause what skin problems?
A. The itching and scratching may lead to eczema and impetigo.
Q. How are lice spread?
A. Lice can not fly, hop, or jump, but they can crawl from
head to head when playing closely together. They can also be spread
by sharing clothing, combs, or other articles.
Q. What is the best way to check for lice?
A. Look for the lice eggs, or nits, which are attached to the
hair strands close to the scalp.
Q.Where can one purchase lice shampoo?
A. Lice treatment shampoos and rinses are sold at many drug
stores and grocery stores. You do not need a prescription to purchase
effective shampoos.
Q. Why should nits be removed?
A. Most lice shampoos do not kill the nits. The nits can hatch
and cause another infestation of lice.
Housekeeping Tips for Safe Cleaning
Q. List ways to make vacuuming more effective.
A. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and draperies regularly; use
a double-lined filter bag in the vacuum cleaner; change the filter
bag when it is half-full.
Q. How can you prevent excess dust from entering or collecting
in the center?
A. Clean sidewalks and entrance areas regularly; clean or replace
entrance foot mats regularly; minimize "clutter" in
the center; and change heating and air-conditioning filters regularly.
Q. If a chlorine bleach and water solution is used for
sanitizing, how should the solution be prepared?
A. Mix 1 tablespoon bleach with 1 quart water; prepare fresh
solution daily.
Q. What are some common triggers for allergic reactions
or asthma attacks?
A. Pets and animal dander; second-hand smoke; dust; pollen;
and chemicals such as cleaning solutions.
Using Environmental Print to Teach Health & Safety
Q. What is environmental print?
A. Environmental print is the print (such as labels, billboards,
road signs) found in the child's environment. The environment
includes the classroom, home, community, and other places where
the child may visit.
Q. Give an example of environmental print used to teach
children about health.
A. Children may bring food labels to school and categorize
them according to likes and dislikes, or healthy and unhealthy
foods. (Staff may describe other appropriate examples.)
Q. Give an example of environmental print used to teach
children about safety.
A. Play a matching or lotto game using copies of traffic signs.
Ask children to describe what each sign means and tell why obeying
the sign is important. (Staff may describe other appropriate examples.)
