This summer, the Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education Program and THRIVE teamed up with Dickson County Schools to lead morning sessions with Extended Care programming.
Vickie DeLoach and Laurie O’Brien from Dickson County’s UT Extension office utilized the “Learn, Go, Eat and Grow” curriculum weekly at Centennial Elementary for 39 K-5 students, Charlotte Elementary for 24 K-5 students, Oakmont Elementary for 19 K-5 students), Stuart-Burns Elementary for 49 K-5 students and White Bluff Elementary for 31 K-5 students.
Sessions taught students how to grow fruits and vegetables, identify the parts of a plant and make nutritious decisions using “My Plate” resources and “Nutrition Bingo.” Students had the opportunity to plant a seed of their choice (basil, cucumber or radish) in a cup to take home and start their own garden. Each week, students also had the opportunity to taste test a selected fruit or veggie and rate the sample by using the student’s five senses. Broccoli, blueberries, carrots, cucumber, pineapple and strawberries were offered to each student to try.
During the last session, Laurie and Vickie led “Yoga for Kids” at each of the schools to discuss the importance of physical activity in addition to eating healthy. Over 1,000 contacts were made during the six weeks in the schools and Vickie looks forward to working with Extended care in the future.
On Aug. 8, Laurie and Vickie held the first class for Development Services. Participants included nine students with parents for a total of 16. They made Easy Fruit Salad and had a great time. Classes continued through Oct. 3.
Laurie and Vickie went to Lowe’s on Aug. 9 to pick up 20 bags of soil and mulch, and four large containers to start an outdoor garden at Oakmont Elementary. They will have a fall garden consisting of Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, baby spinach and baby carrots. Oakmont will be the first school in the county to have a TNCEP garden, with hopes to add gardens to other elementary schools.
Vickie Witcher assisted Vickie DeLoach on Aug. 14 with setting up and layout of the garden area and has agreed to help out during the growing season. Joey Tidwell, Oakmont Extended Care and Spec Ed teacher, will oversee the day-to-day care of the garden with all of her students throughout the day. Laurie and Vickie will teach some classes as well.