New Resources for Nutrition Educators

CURRICULA

Eating Smart � Being Active.Colorado State University. Baker S,Sutherland B, Rogers K, Mitchell R,Diker A. 2009. EFNEP Curriculum Kit$111.00, Educator guide (lesson plansonly) $51.96. http://www.eatingsmartbeingactive.com.

This comprehensive curriculum is anExpanded Food and Nutrition EducationProgram curriculum for low-income audi-ences, but it would work well in a varietyof community nutrition settings. Thecurriculum is based on adult learningprinciples and provides strategies for es-tablishing a comfortable, warm learningenvironment. Lessons are based on theadult learning, social learning, and expe-riential learning theories. The curriculumincludes 8 lessons of 1 to 1-1/2 hours inlength. Topics for the sequential lessonsare based on the Dietary Guidelines forAmericans 2005 and MyPyramid.

The lesson titles include: ‘‘GetMoving!’’ ‘‘Plan, Shop, $ave,’’ ‘‘VaryYour Veggies,’’ ‘‘Make Half YourGrains Whole,’’ ‘‘Build Strong Bones,’’‘‘Go Lean on Protein,’’ ‘‘Make AChange,’’ and ‘‘Celebrate! Eat Smartand Be Active.’’ The last lesson focuseson how to establish a healthful feed-ing relationship and encourages par-ents to offer a variety of nutritiouschoices and decide when food is servedand to let children decide how much toeat and whether or not to eat. It alsoprovides a review of the previous les-sons.

The 8 lessons in the Educator’sGuide are activity based with the

Inclusion of any material in this section does notNutrition Education. Evaluative comments contauthors. Review abstracts are either prepared byliterature. Prices quoted are those provided by tsubmitted. They may not be current when the rJ Nutr Educ Behav. 2010;42:357.e5�2010 SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUC

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behav

emphasis on providing skills neededto make healthful choices. Partici-pants can work in small groups of 2or 3 to complete the activities. Lessonsare learner centered, with the educa-tor acting as a facilitator. Each lessonincludes time for physical activity,which helps reinforce the importanceof an active lifestyle in addition tohealthful food choices. Goal settingis included to encourage applicationof the new knowledge and skills ac-quired. Handouts review the keypoints of the lesson and serve asa take-home reminder for later refer-ence or for sharing with other familyor community members.

Each lesson includes goals, keymessages, a lesson planning and prep-aration checklist, a script, additionalactivities if you have more time, andbackground information for the edu-cator. Background information ex-plains the research behind the lessonand will certainly increase self-efficacy of paraprofessionals and serveas an excellent review for profes-sionals using the curriculum. Certifi-cates are included for both learnersand volunteers who help provide thelessons.

imply endorsement by the Society forained in the reviews reflect the views of thethe reviewer or extracted from the producthe publishers at the time materials wereeview is published.

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In addition to the lesson plans, theEducator’s Guide contains an excel-lent overview of the underlying the-ory and various components of theprogram. Strategies and tips for suc-cess are also provided that make it eas-ier for paraprofessionals to delivereffective training. A Physical ActivityTraining DVD is also available, whichprogram coordinators can use to trainparaprofessionals on the physical ac-tivity components of the lessons. Ad-ditional components of the programinclude educational materials for par-ticipants and display board visualsthat support each lesson. All partici-pant materials are available in bothEnglish and Spanish.

The Eating Smart � Being Active cur-riculum is a well-researched and com-prehensive program appropriate forall those working with low-incomefamilies with children. It is a user-friendly program that is sure to be val-ued by educators as well as engagingfor participants. The authors shouldbe complemented in their work ondeveloping this well-thought-out andvaluable resource for educators.

Deb Rees, RD, LDN, Coordinator, IllinoisNutrition Education and Training Pro-gram, 245 W. Exchange Street, Suite 4,Sycamore, IL 60178

doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2010.05.005

Cite this article as Rees D. EatingSmart � Being Active [New Re-sources for Nutrition Educators]. JNutr Educ Behav. 2010;42:357.e5.

357.e5