At the end of the school year, Emily started a nutrition education series at Yokomi elementary. After each lesson students got a challenge to complete until she returned for the next lesson. Read more on that here. Today, Emily reflects on the impact of the lessons.

By teaching my Yokomi second graders every week, I was able to cover many topics, from hand washing to plant and animal proteins. I was amazed by how much they remembered from week to week, and the way they were able to build upon each lesson, always ready for a new challenge!

I made sure that my last lesson with my second graders was fun by reading Bearobics: A Hip-Hop Counting Story by Vic Parker.

In this story different animals engage in different dance moves; so what did the students do? They danced like animals!

From the mice tango to the kangaroo hop, the students were let loose in the classroom, learning that exercise can be a lot of fun.

As I said my final goodbyes, the students eagerly asked me what their challenge was this time. I hadn't prepared a challenge since I wouldn't check in with them again on their progress, but I made it their goal to exercise at least 60 minutes a day all summer.

I may not be there to see if they keep up with this challenge, but I know they've been provided the tools and the inspiration they need to keep this challenge, along with all of the healthy eating challenges they've received this school year. 

There are only a few more weeks until UC CalFresh is back on school campuses, working to build healthy families through nutrition and physical activity education. We can't wait!