Kinder Family Connection

Use the Family Connection on the first day of teaching the program. Involving parents reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and may encourage parents to become classroom volunteers. The letter is located in each student workbook and can be printed separately as a PDF available in English and Spanish.

Use these short, nutrition messages below to share through your communication channels with your families.

Lesson 1 – The Five Fabulous Food Groups
Your child is learning about nutrition, healthy eating and the food groups. Colorful food-group characters representing the five food groups will guide them through key nutrition concepts. Each group provides a unique health benefit, so a combination of foods from all groups is optimizes growth and development. Try to provide meals and snacks that reflect these healthy eating patterns – they will help your child learn, play, and grow. 

Lesson 2 – Food Group Explorers
Your child is learning that the food groups work together to help our bodies grow and develop in healthy ways. We call these combinations healthy eating patterns. You can support your child by modeling healthy food and beverage choices yourself at home. When planning meals and snacks, include family favorites, but also introduce new foods to try. Invite your child to help with meal purchasing and preparation to encourage food exploration.

Lesson 3 – From Farm to Me!
When children enjoy food at home or school, they may not realize their food started on a farm. California has a rich agricultural heritage; your child is learning about the many sources of foods produced in the state at farms, ranches, orchards and gardens. Talk with your child about the origins of some of the foods you are preparing. Take them with you to a local farmers market to meet the farmers themselves! Try a new, seasonal food or ask a farmer what they recommend. Make it an adventure!

Lesson 4 – Better with Breakfast
Breakfast provides health benefits to children and adults alike. Your child is learning that eating breakfast helps them learn and have more energy for physical activity. You play a key role by ensuring that your child has breakfast each day either at home or at school. Try to find time to sit down and enjoy breakfast with your child one or two days a week to start. Modeling healthy behaviors sets a great example.

Lesson 5 – Exploring Foods
Your child is learning that whole; natural foods from the five food groups taste delicious. Encourage your child to try many different foods using all of their senses; taste, smell touch, hearing and sight. Invite your child to help you with grocery shopping, meal preparation, or clean up. This will spark their curiosity about a wider range of foods, build their skills around food preparation, and provide a positive food experience.