23 Videos for healthy lunches
Alexandra McLean
BENTO BOX LUNCH IDEAS | for work or back to school + healthy meal prep recipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4jJsseY2Ic
BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCHBOX IDEAS | COLLAB WITH RACHELLEEA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izSIxPAUI2g
Aussie dad’s amazing lunchbox hacks | Today Show Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TEj97KOB6s
*NEW* LUNCHBOX IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL! Easy Sandwich Alternatives | Emily Norris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ6US4fQ5Y8
This resource recommends a YouTube Channel for educators to email to parents and to also show children in class. It can provide a range of helpful videos involving visual tips and tricks for parents and students to demonstrate the many healthy food choices that can be packed for school lunches. It can further demonstrate the making process of the “nutritious and filling” (Healthy Eating Advisory Services, n.d.) lunches, displaying simple packaging methods for children, easy preparation (cutting food into small pieces), and safe storage options (thermos/bento box containers) and even the importance of a staying hydrated and having a nutritious diet for students. Educators may also include YouTube videos that include demonstrations of some fun ways parents can involve their own children in the packing and preparation of lunches, such as a ‘food checklist and hunt’ at the grocery store and school aged students helping place the food into their lunch box each day. This promotes a love of learning about healthy food and may encourage the children to fuel their bodies with nutritious meals each day.
YouTube video demonstrations are an effective way to convey simple steps to preparing school lunches for a range of families from diverse backgrounds. Videos are easily accessible from any device and do not require any written text. Each video can explicitly demonstrate a range of healthy lunch ideas and tips without requiring subtitles or any translation. The YouTube videos may also include a range of culturally diverse food options in the videos as well, explaining to parents that sandwiches aren’t the only option when it comes to packing lunches. This is one way children can celebrate their culture and create a positive self-concept of self and culture. Furthermore, it may encourage other parents to encourage their children to try new foods and meals from a different culture if they wish.
Links
Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009)
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing
Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QCAA, 2018)
- Identity: Building a confident self-identity
- Wellbeing: Exploring ways to be healthy and safe
- Active Learning: Using technologies for learning and communication
National Quality Standard (ACECQA, 2018)
- Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
- 2.1.3 Healthy Lifestyle: Healthy Eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child
- 2.2.3 Child Protection: Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect
- Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- 6.1.2 – Parents views are respected: The expertise, culture, values and beliefs of families are respected and families share in decision-making about their child’s learning and wellbeing.
