Valentine Veggie Parties

I often have parents who want my sessions to focus on helping kids learn to eat healthier foods, especially vegetables. On the journey to developing the oral motor skills necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing a variety of vegetables, simply interacting with these foods via food crafts and food play develops a positive relationships with Brussels sprouts, carrots and more.  Holidays offer ideal opportunities for food play, especially Valentine’s Day. From classroom parties to neighborhood get-togethers, Valentine’s Day is traditionally a sugar-fest of red, pink and white candy, frosting and sprinkles.  Why not turn it into a Valentine Vegetable Party instead? SLPs in schools, private practice or healthcare settings all enjoy the chance to use this event to offer with patients, clients, students, teachers or parents tips. Incorporate the spectrum of red hues by using purple carrots, white or red radishes, red potatoes, red or purple bell peppers, rhubarb, radicchio or purple beets in games, crafts and even decorations?  Don’t forget cauliflower, jicama or turnips for a nice mix of white. Use them in a variety of ways to get kids interacting with red-hued veggies. Throw in some green vegetables, too. No one said that green wasn’t allowed on Valentine’s Day! Veggie decor Ask kids to decorate the party space with veggie-laced floral arrangements in clear cylindrical vases. Encourage kids to line a simple glass vase with long veggies, such as purple carro...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech Therapy Authors: Tags: Speech-Language Pathology Feeding Disorders Swallowing Disorders Source Type: blogs