2023 Week of the Young Child: Tasty Tuesday

Laughter is brightest in the place where food is good. Irish Proverb

Tasty Tuesday is the theme for today’s celebration of Week of the Young Child. Cooking together connects math and literacy skills, as well as introducing healthy eating habits and new foods. Eating behaviors and food preferences that develop at a young age can last into adulthood.

Creating opportunities for children to learn about food preferences and nutritional values is the start to adopting a happy and healthy relationship with eating. It is important to help children develop healthy habits early. Children learn about their food likes and dislikes by direct contact with foods, such as tasting, feeling, seeing, and smelling. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep snacks simple: fruit, nuts, or fresh vegetables

• Eat the rainbow! Creates meals with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits.

• Involve kids in cooking

• Limit sugary drinks

• Don't rush meals; this is a great time for conversations

• Encourage children to try new foods and make sure you are trying them too!

• Don’t use food as a reward

Making meals and snacks together encourages children to try new foods and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Celebrate Tasty Tuesday by making Rainbow Toast with your child.

Rainbow Toast Recipe

Ingredients

• Bread

• Milk

• Food color

• Paint brushes

• Toaster

Directions

1. Mix food coloring into cups of milk. 

2. Have your child paint the bread. 

3. After painting the bread, pop it in the toaster. 

4. Enjoy!

Interested in learning more about the RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for families with children from birth to age 5? Visit the early childhood webpage or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.

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Hillary Cook-Harris

Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 28 years.