Kindergarten Begins Successfully
Ohio State University Extension offers valuable guidance for parents of kindergarten children, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious breakfast and establishing a consistent daily routine to support learning and growth.
According to a study by Goddard, published in 2009, breakfast is crucial for a young child entering kindergarten. A balanced breakfast can lead to better grades, concentration, and fewer mistakes. Ohio State University Extension recommends combining whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables, and dairy or dairy alternatives to create nutritious meals.
For instance, egg-based dishes like ham and cheese egg cups or mushroom cheese egg wraps are hearty, nutritious, and easy to eat. These options provide protein, some vegetables, and a dairy component to cover multiple food groups. Other nutritious breakfast ideas include yogurt, smoothies made with fruit and yogurt, cooked cereal, bran or fruit muffins, peanut butter sandwiches, bagels with cream cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, low sugar cereal (like Cheerios) and milk, scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast or waffles, and fresh fruit.
Given Ohio State University Extension’s focus on school and preschool nutrition programs, they often emphasize including fiber-rich, low-sugar foods to fuel young children’s development and school readiness. While specific breakfast menus for kindergarteners may be best obtained directly through OSU Extension local resources or publications, aiming for variety and nutrient-dense foods is consistent with their educational messaging.
In addition to a healthy breakfast, establishing a regular daily routine can also benefit kindergarten children. Bath time following TV time signals the end of the day, helping children understand the structure of their day. Reviewing a child's school papers each evening encourages children to share what they have learned, and displaying them proudly can further encourage this sharing.
Establishing a regular evening routine helps children learn what is expected of them and makes bedtime easier. Bedtime discussions or stories offer an opportunity to learn about a child's life, while discussing events of the day or sharing a bedtime story can provide a feeling of security.
For parents seeking more detailed or tailored menus, contacting the Ohio State University Extension office, especially the Sandusky County branch, could provide direct resources or recipes designed for young children’s breakfasts. Many schools also offer free or reduced breakfast programs; contact your school’s office for more information.
In conclusion, Ohio State University Extension provides valuable resources for parents of kindergarten children, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious breakfast and a consistent daily routine. By following these guidelines, parents can support their children's learning and growth. The Children, Youth, and Families Education and Research Network (CYFERNET) is a resource for various parenting topics and can be a valuable source of information for parents.
- Ohio State University Extension's recommended nutritious meals often include 4-H science-based health and wellness aspects such as whole grains, protein, fruits, vegetables, and dairy, which are essential for a child's growth and learning in kindergarten.
- In addition to nutritious meals, focusing on family health routines like establishing a daily routine and regular evening bedtime discussions can foster a sense of security and support a child's school readiness.
- When planning meals for their kindergarten children, parents may find it beneficial to consider not only fiber-rich, low-sugar foods per the advice of Ohio State University Extension, but also to seek out other resources like the Sandusky County branch of the Extension office or CYFERNET for more detailed and tailored meal plans, including recipes designed specifically for young children's breakfasts.
