MSU Extension teaches healthy living

By TOM STANKARD

[email protected]

Bessemer - To encourage kids to eat a healthy diet, Megan Martell, Michigan State University Extension nutrition educator, told kindergarten students at Washington Elementary School in Bessemer to eat more grains.

While taking a break from class, more than 10 children told Martell if they're eating healthy or not, listened to her read a grain-themed children's book and, if they were on their best behavior, got a heathy treat.

Martell asked them if they tried new foods they liked.

"Broccoli," a kid said. "I love broccoli."

Martell said she likes broccoli, too. But she said people do not like every food they try.

"I tried a tomato, but I really hated it," a student said.

From a basket, she pulled out a diagram of food on a plate and said she was going to talk about grains. Martell then pulled a children's book from her basket and read it to the students.

The book was "The Little Red Hen" by Paul Galdone. The book is about a little red hen that wants to bake a loaf of bread, from the grain of wheat she finds. She asks the other farm animals for help - a pig, a cat, and a duck - to plant it, but none of them volunteer.

At each later stage of making bread, the hen asks for help from the other animals, but again she gets no assistance.

Finally, the hen has completed her task and asks who will help her eat the bread. This time, all the previous non-participants eagerly volunteer. She declines their help, stating that no one aided her in the preparation. Thus, the hen eats it with her chicks leaving none for anyone else.

When Martell finished reading, she asked the kindergarten students what they learned.

"What did the hen make in the end?" Martell asked.

"Bread," a student answered.

Martell said cooking is hard work.

"Who helps out in the kithchen?" She asked.

A couple students raised their hands.

In keeping with the grain theme, Martell gave children cereal for a snack because they were good listeners.