Nutrition Education, Lesson Plans and Curricula

MyPyramid for Kids: Classroom Materials
Fun and interactive nutrition lessons are available in three levels: Level 1 (grades 1-2); Level 2 (grades 3-4); and Level 3 (grades 5-6). Lessons include teacher guides, reproducible handouts, tips for parents, and step-by-step explanations.

Team Nutrition Resources for Educators
Access educational materials, lesson plans, and handouts designed to help promote nutrition and wellness in the classroom. Materials are available for grades K-12.

Planet Health (Harvard School of Public Health)
An interdisciplinary curriculum focused on improving the health and well-being of sixth through eighth grade students while building and reinforcing skills in language, arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education.

Nifty Nutrition
A nutrition education program designed for grades K-6.

"Rate Your Plate"
An interactive nutrition education game designed for students, grades 4 and up.

BAM! Body and Mind
Designed for students, this site also offers some great ideas for classroom activities surrounding health and safety. Find excellent handouts and materials that you can download.

Physical Education and Activity

Massachusetts General Laws: Physical Education Requirements
Review MGL Chapter 71 for background on physical education requirements in the state of Massachusetts.

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
The largest organization of professionals supporting and assisting those involved in physical education, leisure, fitness, dance, health promotion, and education and all specialties related to achieving a healthy lifestyle.

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Visit this health, physical activity, fitness and sports information website of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Find out about the Council and its work, view publications, and links to resources from other government agencies and health/fitness organizations.

PE 4 Life
Inspire active, healthy living by advancing the development of quality, daily physical education programs for all children. Find excellent PE resources including continuing education opportunities, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and sample letters to support the need for physical education. You can also find information on PEP grants and the application process. A comprehensive resource for educators.

Physical Education Glossary
Find definitions of physical education, its goals, and its benefits. Understand and be able to explain the difference between physical education, physical fitness, and physical activity.

The American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart”
Students learn about the lifelong benefits of physical activity and raise money for a great cause at the same time!

National Association for Sport and Physical Education
Find resources related to sports and physical education, as well as information about workshops, continuing education opportunities, and classroom curricula.

Sportime
This site provides activity suggestions & information about a variety of physical education equipment.

Walk and Bike to School
The USA website for the International Walk to School Events. Get your school involved!

Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant
This site provides information about the Carol M. White Physical Education Program, which provides funds for local educational agencies to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs and assist them in meeting State standards for physical education.

Human Kinetics
A leading provider of physical educational materials, learning opportunities, information, and products to promote physical activity. Valuable resources for physical education teachers and coaches.

Food Allergy

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Provides school guidelines for managing students with food allergies.

Allergic Child.com
A comprehensive resource for families and communities dealing with severe food allergies.

Food & Nutrition Information Center
This site provides statistics, fact sheets, and resources about common food allergies.

Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools
A comprehensive resource for schools dealing with life threatening food allergies. Provides background information on allergies, how to respond in an emergency, and how to read food labels to identify allergens. This resource also outlines the responsibilities of school personnel, provides suggestions for implementing policies and protocols to prevent an emergency, and offers sample letters.

Rewards

Constructive Classroom Rewards
Find simple, but fun ways to reward students in the classroom while simultaneously encouraging healthy behaviors.

Michigan State University Extension
No cost and low cost “Alternatives to Using Food as a Reward”.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
Prohibition against Denying Meals and Milk to Children as a Disciplinary Action.

Use Fundraising Activities and Rewards that Support Student Health
What does it mean to use fundraising activities and rewards that support student health? Find out here.

Teacher Suggested Alternatives to Food Rewards provided by the New England Dairy & Food Council

Celebrations

Healthy Celebrations
The Connecticut Department of Education provides creative non-food ideas for celebrations and activities. This site also lists healthy food ideas for classroom celebrations.

School Stores

Eat Smart Move More: Ideas for a healthy school store

Nutrition Sen$e Toolkit
Provide and promote healthful foods & beverages at your school store.

Healthy Fundraising Options

Eat Smart Move More: Healthy Fundraising
Suggestions for healthy & non-food fundraisers, produced by North Carolina’s “Eat Smart, Move More” program.

Healthy Vending Machine Options

Eat Smart Move More: Healthy Vending
A Healthy Vending Machine Policy developed by North Carolina’s “Eat Smart, Move More” program.

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