As we teach our children, one of our primary goals is to make that learning relevant and to develop their ability to discern what is wise and good. We want to dig past the status quo, so they can be more and more equipped to live full, rich, purposeful lives. Nutrition 101: Choose Life , from Growing Healthy Homes, is a one-year science curriculum that takes these goals very seriously. This program engages the entire family in a study and ongoing dialogue about the systems of the body and how they are affected by nutritional habits. What a wonderful tool to have in a world full of unhealthy options and influences!Nutrition 101: Choose Life is divided into six units covering the twelve main body systems, how they respond to nutritional practices, and how to eat in order for each to perform optimally. This study takes a human biology course past recalling facts and labelling diagrams to the level of application and synthesis. In each unit, the foods that bring health and vitality to each of the body systems and the potentially harmful ones are examined as well. The authors incorporate healthy food practices and opportunities to prepare various dishes into the curriculum. They provide a wealth of information and resources in the attached appendix section, as well, on topics that include:
- health statistics in the U.S.
- a food pyramid based on the nutritional guidelines of the curriculum
- sample menus
- shopping lists
- selecting fresh, healthy foods
- maintaining kitchen and home safety
.......... and much more!
I've shared in another post how nutrition became a serious issue to my husband and myself after the birth of our oldest child. With Nutrition 101: Choose Life , I am better equipped to give them a 30-year headstart on us! While from birth, they have been exposed to our attempts to purchase, grow, and prepare what is truly good for them, this curriculum provides a rhyme and reason that goes past mealtime discussions and grocery store aisle questions. Rather than catching random pieces of the puzzle, we all can learn in a systematic manner as a family, how our body works and how what we put into it matters to how it functions.
So, how am I using Nutrition 101: Choose Life? Not in its entirety this semester, as I had already chosen and put a lot of work into preparing a science curriculum, and I think it lends itself well to introducing aspects of the Nutrition 101 study without totally changing gears. Our curriculum is a study of the human body and its systems, so I am incorporating parts of the the Nutrition 101 program. For example, as we study the muscular system, I am including nutrional information and a cooking activity. Now, next semester, I do plan to follow up our present study with a more indepth use of Nutrition 101: Choose Life as our core science curriculum. This is a program that in the future, I think it would be wise to review and repeat, so that the kids catch information at different windows of understanding and ability. While I think it's best utilized in its entirety, that may not work with all families, and much can still be gained by breaking it up to fit your family's situation. It's an exceptional reference material for every family and every mom, with tons of nutritional information and helps. It's a curriculum that can be customized and added to, as well. Here's something that really works for me--every curriculum I print off goes in a binder. (Wow, you're saying by now..) I always add more, so I just stick my additions in as they would fit in the sequence of study. I end up with lots of depth and variety in our studies that way, and the binders become reference materials for later, more involved studies when the kids are older. I never get rid of curriculums like that, that contain so much reference information.
Any concerns about this curriculum? While beginning the book with a medical disclaimer, the authors do express their opinion on various issues, such as vaccination, which is a hot one right now. Just be wise and remember to research things for yourself. Overall, as a curriculum, this is a great one, full of information and activities.
What about price? The cd-rom of the curriculum is $79, while the book version is $99. You can get both for $129, which reflects a significant savings. You can check out these deals here, on their web site.
You can also view samples pages of the curriculum on their web site. Click here to go straight to that page. And below you will find a YouTube video of testimonials concerning Nutrition 101: Choose Life. Head on over to the TOS Crew blog for more reviews as well!
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