- Author: Hannah Lee
- Contributor: Emily Harris
In January, Ayer students started their Food Friday Campaign with the goal of eating more fruits and veggies. A total of 559 servings of fruits and veggies were eaten during the four Food Fridays - way to go, Ayer Bears! Congratulations to Mrs. Lee's first grade class for having the largest increase of fruits and veggie consumption over the four weeks! Her class ate almost twice as many fruits and vegetables on the last Food Friday in comparison to the first.
To celebrate Ayer students' hard work with Food Friday, UC CalFresh hosted a MyPlate obstacle course! Check out all of the fun below!
UC CalFresh team members Chris, Hannah, Austin, and Maira, Fresno State Dietetic Intern Alicia and NFCS Advisor Mandeep, couldn't be more excited!
Austin shows kiddos the Fruit Hoops.
Chris the Carrot leads the way across the field.
Students stretch their arms with Hannah.
Maira provides some push-up motivation for these strong students!
Thank you to everyone at Ayer Elementary for helping us put on this wonderful event! Students had a great time and were reminded to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
- Author: Angelica Perez
- Editor: Emily Harris
UC CalFresh was able to showcase its very first obstacle course for Madera Unified School District at La Vina Elementary School Harvest festival on October 28, 2016. The students were thrilled to go through the obstacle course and Nutrition Coordinators, Consuelo Cid and Angelica Perez, enjoyed sharing the benefits of the MyPlate-themed obstacle course.
Consuelo Cid, above, showcasing the obstacle course.
The obstacle course consisted of three stations: the Whole Grain Hops, where students hopped a variety of ways, the Dairy Dunes, which made the students jump over and go under two bars, and the last obstacle, where the students were able to throw a bean bag through the Fruit Hoops.
Angelica Perez, above, watching the students toss the beanbags through the Fruit Hoops.
The obstacle course was a great success and the students had lots of fun. Even Pete, the MyPlate Superhero, joined in on the fun and sat on the information table to greet the students and parents at La Vina Elementary.
------------------------------------------------------------------
If any Fresno/Madera schools are interested in setting up a MyPlate-themed obstacle course, contact UC CalFresh Nutrition Educator Austin Cantrell at ajcantrell@ucanr.edu or (559) 241-7505.
- Author: Austin Cantrell
- Editor: Emily Harris
Physical activity doesn't have to be a chore for you or your children. One fun physical activity can be a simple, affordable and homemade obstacle course. The hype of an obstacle course can help to encourage your child to be more physically active and meet their hour of physical activity every day. An obstacle course can be created using everyday, household items, or, if you're feeling really ambitious, you can construct one out of wood. The benefits of using an obstacle course for physical activity include improved cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and general motor skills. It is also just plain fun! Here are some ideas to get you started on your own backyard obstacle course.
Pool noodles and PVC pipe are affordable materials that can be used to create obstacles. For example, you can tape a pool noodle to itself in a circle to create rings that can be tossed. Tie a few pool noodle rings together and you have a "tire" obstacle. Pool noodle rings can also serve as a target in which your kids throw another pool noodle through like a javelin, or they can throw a Frisbee or balls through. You can also use plastic tent stakes and pool noodles to create hurdles for the kids to jump over or crawl under. Stand a few pool noodles up with tent stakes in a line and have your children dribble a ball in between them.
Obstacle courses can also be created from left over wood supplies from other projects. A 4-inch by 4-inch piece of wood can be used as a balance beam. Wood shipping pallets can be used as platforms. Old logs can be used as balance steps. Just remember to keep your obstacles age appropriate. It's important to always supervise your children when they are participating in these activities to ensure safety. By chaining together several different activities you can create a fun and engaging source of physical activity. Be creative and have fun with your kids!
Let us know about your homemade obstacle course in the comments below!
