Children learn the basic essentials of everyday life; such as healthy eating and physical activity, at a very young age. This way they can form good habits that they can carry with them throughout their adult life. Teaching children when they are in their early stages of life is important if you want them to learn and maintain these habits. Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers (LEAP) is a series that teaches children about staying healthy, being physically active, and the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. LEAP was a 6 month program that used storybooks, picture cards, fruits and vegetables to teach 15 Spencer County pre-school children healthy habits. Once a month students between the ages of 3-5 learned about primary colors, healthy eating habits, importance of physical activities, and where food comes from. They also took home a newsletter after every lesson with healthy recipes they could share with their families.

Since we were in the middle of a pandemic The FCS agent and program assistant videoed the LEAP lessons each month to send to the teacher. As well as provided packets with newsletters and supplemental nutrition and physical activity information. 

 In the participant wrap-up survey provided by the teachers some of the positive results reported were: 

* Identify different fruits and vegetables

* Participate in physical activity

* Identifying farmers markets 

* Learned shapes and colors 

* Explain where fruits and vegetables come from 

Participating in LEAP will also provide families with key items needed to make healthy lifestyle for lasting future health benefits.