There is a natural link between nutrition, physical activity and reading. Reading books that focus on preparing and eating healthy foods may motivate children to adopt positive food behaviors that last a lifetime.  A research study conducted in Head Start preschool classes by Elena Byrne and Susan Nitzke, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002), found that the children were more willing to taste a newly introduced vegetable if they had heard a story in which the main character had a positive preference for the food. The study concluded that under optimal conditions, children’s books could help promote positive attitudes about vegetables.

Cooking together as a family is important.  These activities give children the opportunity to learn about math, literacy, science, and nutrition.  It helps children develop self-confidence and learn how to make nutritious choices that will carry on into adulthood.  Chopping, squeezing, spreading, and mixing help develop a child’s small muscle control and hand-eye coordination.

The Caldwell County Family & Consumer Sciences combined the idea of families reading together and cooking together to form Little Books, Little Cooks.  Thirteen families with preschool age children attended the program.  Program topics included: Hand Washing, Safety in the Kitchen, and MyPlate. Participants read a story together and then prepared a healthy snack with their families.   Participants practiced hand washing, following safety rules in the kitchen, and comparing healthy foods with unhealthy foods.  The children learned when it was necessary and appropriate to wash their hands.   They also were introduced to the basic food groups.  One grandparent said, “My granddaughter was telling her grandmother what each color of the food group stood for.  Her grandmother praised her for her knowledge and asked if her momma taught her that.   My granddaughter replied, ‘No, Miss Ashley.’  She’s learning!”