One would typically expect high school students to be laboring over math equations or Shakespeare, but last Thursday students at Robert F. Kennedy High School had a different experience. After a three-class sequence on nutrition fundamentals taught by Let’s Move Nation!, students spent their class period quickly trying to determine how to assemble a healthy snack or meal as part of an in-class competition.
The short nutrition course was part of teacher Linda Yaron’s Healthy Lifestyles class at the high school. In order to provide the most thorough overview while addressing student questions, course instructors, Said Gonzalez and Tiffany Huey, administered a pre-course survey to Ms. Yaron’s class, comprised primarily of juniors and seniors. Topics covered during the course included balanced diets, food groups, defining healthy living, understanding nutrition labels, portions, limiting unhealthy snacks and junk food, and the importance of exercise.
Each class featured a food demonstration, exposing students to foods that they were previously unfamiliar with. “Students loved the opportunity to make healthy and fun snacks with Let’s Move!” said instructor Linda Yaron. “It was a hands-on, collaborative activity that allowed them to be creative and put their new knowledge of healthy foods into use.”
The students were equally enthusiastic. Student Joy Esteban felt the classes had an impact beyond the school day. “The nutrition classes gave me a lot of good advice regarding healthier food choices,” she said. “The biggest take away in these classes is taking into consideration the everyday choices we make in life: nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle.” Rubi Torres also felt inspired to make healthy changes: “These nutrition classes helped me understand the importance of a healthy diet and exercise even more. It’s given me a bigger incentive to start eating better.”
The students were so receptive to the class that we have already been invited back to teach additional short courses. Let’s Move Nation! enjoyed the time we spent with the Robert F. Kennedy Community and we look forward to partnering with them again in the future.
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Let’s Move Nation! Brings Nutrition Education to RFK Students
