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. 2023 Apr;55(4):266-284.
doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.01.002.

Integration of Food-based Learning With Science in the Preschool Classroom: Implementation Gaps and Opportunities

Jocelyn Dixon  1 , Archana V Hegde  2 , Lora Suzanne Goodell  3 , Nicole L Arnold  4 , Taren Swindle  5 , Dipti A Dev  6 , Lucía I Méndez  7 , Valerie J McMillan  8 , Tammy D Lee  9 , Virginia C Stage  10
Affiliations

Integration of Food-based Learning With Science in the Preschool Classroom: Implementation Gaps and Opportunities

Jocelyn Dixon et al. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023 Apr.

Erratum in

  • Corrigendum.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023 Jun;55(6):465. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.04.008. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023. PMID: 37295848 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

Abstract

Objective: To explore Head Start teachers' use and integration of food-based learning (FBL) with science learning in the Head Start classroom.

Design: Phenomenological approach using in-depth semistructured telephone interviews.

Setting: North Carolina Head Start preschools.

Participants: Thirty-five Head Start lead and assistant teachers.

Phenomenon of interest: All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Authors coded interview data for emergent themes.

Analysis: Eleven primary themes were identified during analysis and inductively organized using the Systems Thinking Iceberg Model.

Results: Teachers described most frequently using FBL during mealtimes. Teachers stated they felt successful when children were engaged and willing to try a new food. However, they struggled to connect food to science concepts. Teachers reported several motivators (eg, improving health) and barriers (eg, food waste) to integrating FBL. Teachers prioritized preparing children for kindergarten, but most teachers did not see how FBL could help them achieve this goal.

Conclusions and implications: Head Start teacher professional development programs could impact all 4 levels of the Systems Thinking Model to improve teachers' perceptions, underlying structures, and mental models regarding integrative FBL. Additional research is warranted to investigate the adoption, implementation, and potential impact of FBL on academic outcomes.

Keywords: STEAM; food-based learning; integration; kindergarten readiness; preschool.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Teachers (n=35) from North Carolina Counties Participating in Semi-structured Qualitative Interviews Regarding Their Experiences with Food-based Learning and Science in Head Start Classrooms
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Theoretical Model Presenting Relationship Between Head Start Teachers’ (n=35) experiences with FBL at 4 Different Levels of the Systems Thinking Iceberg Model
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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