It is hard to believe this will be my final post about my practicum experience. I met so many new faces along the way. The one person I really got to know was one of the counselors from the older kids. She is still in high school and wants to become a nurse. She has been working here at the recreational center for a couple of years. She has gotten to know the kids and parents really well. She wants to attend a nursing school out of state as well. Reminds me when I decided to attend Keene State College, which is about four hours away from home in New York City.

This counselor also taught me a valuable lesson that I could keep in mind at my first post-graduation job. "Keep your mind open to suggestions, and don't act stubborn when corrected." I couldn't believe the words that came out of her mouth because I was so taken away by them. Your first job doesn't mean it's the only one you will have, but it is a great hands on learning experience. Having that open mind can lead to many more possibilities.





Speaking of hands on, the kids recently made broccoli cheese bites and reindeer snacks. The broccoli cheese bites were a hit, where some kids came up for thirds! Even the parents were astounded to see how fast their child could scarf down food. These delectable bits were gluten free as well. The kids probably did not even notice the difference.





Tis the season for Santa coming to town so why not make some reindeer snacks! Pretty similar to our spider snacks we used raisins, peanut butter, pretzels and red peanut M&Ms for the nose. Putting out examples and directions for the kids makes the job a lot easier as well.




Unfortunately, the reindeer snacks will be the last project of the practicum with the kids. What I would suggest to the next interns is to be ready for the spontaneous. Many moments at the recreational center I thought it would be an easy day. However, sometimes the kids get way to out of hand. Not even the counselors can help the situation so I usually help out if it comes down to it. Just the other day one of boys were smacking a girl with a hard covered book. I had to break it up and reach out to the supervisor to help reprimand the odd situation. However, the overall experience of this practicum had many more ups then downs. It is a super fun way to teach kids how to eat healthy without too much hassle. I loved this place so much I had to stay longer, so I applied to be a counselor for next semester. I'm excited to see what the next interns have in store for this wonderful experience.

Professional Growth

It is hard to believe how fast this practicum is flying by. The kids are always excited to see me and Hannah every Monday and Wednesday at the program. However, for myself I know I have to be ready for the unexpected. Looking at the preceptor evaluation I have noticed I have skills pertaining in food service and nutrition knowledge. Not only my time in college has my nutrition and food service knowledge grew, but I also worked in a restaurant for several years. 

On the other hand, verbal communication and education skills need to be worked on. These two skills are probably the most important when in the work place of the practicum site. However, as time went on I noticed my skills grow in verbal communication and education skills. Explaining to the kids what the directions are to making the snack has become relatively simple. 

When it came to food service, myself and other counselors made sure the kids clean their hands before crafting their snacks. Hannah and me also made sure that we washed fruit and vegetables during prep. After the kids crafted their snacks we made sure cooking temperatures were correct. Cleaning the workplace afterward is also very important becuase the last thing on my mind is an insect infestation. Speaking of insects...

For Halloween we made "Spooky Spider Snacks." The spooky spiders was a relatively simple idea with crackers for the body, peanut butter inside, pretzels for legs and raisins for eyes. Not our best choice for healthy eating, but the kids had fun making these critters.

However, during this particular project the kids were out of control. One kid received “two strikes” that day, meaning the child cannot come to the program the next day. To me this makes no sense, what if the parent still has work? How will he or she pick up their child?

But I have to hand it to the CATCH program for being very kid friendly. The numerous amount of games and activities for the kids makes the after school program fly by and kids make friends along the way. I would change the disciplinary system, I would still allow the child to come to the CATCH program, but he/she will not be able to participate in any activities that day.

The banana butternut smoothie and the cranberry almond bars were both hits and about half the kids wanted the recipe for each. The templates were a great idea because just about all the kids take one home. It’s awesome that me and Hannah are having a impact on these kids eating habits.

Half Way Full

It is crazy to think that my practicum is already more than half way over. I still feel like I am just getting to know the kids. However, the steps I have taken so far to maximize my experience is to make sure everyone is having fun. Getting to know the children’s eating habits gave me a sensible idea on their outlook on health in general. It is always a fun time cooking and making snacks with them. So far most of the kids are hungry learners and are willing to try whatever we make as a group.

For the beautiful season of fall in Keene, Hannah and I had some cooking ideas revolving around pumpkins. We made pumpkin bars and a pumpkin dip. The pumpkin bars were delectable. The kids mixed in chocolate chips and gluten free oats with pumpkin sauce along with other spices. All of the kids loved their creation and so did I. My favorite project so far has to be the pumpkin bars.

The pumpkin dip had similar feedback to the veggie dip we made earlier. However, since we used graham crackers to dip, the flavors were more exhilarating when mixed with the pumpkin dip.

Our most recent project was english muffin pizzas. For this recipe we made our first template about the food. It includes the ingredients, directions on how to make the food and a few health benefits from it.

The kids were given halves of english muffins, pizza red sauce, mozzarella cheese, chopped up peppers, broccoli and mushrooms to add to their mini pizzas. Surprisingly more than 2/3 of the kids put veggies on their pizzas. One girl came up to me saying “I love mushrooms!” I just starting eating mushrooms last year. These kids keep surprising me.

The easy part of this "internship"is that cooking simple snacks doesn't take much effort. What can be challenging are kids who are stubborn and choose not to participate. This takes time away from other kids who are interested in the given cooking project. However, it is fun to see a huge smile on a child's face who enjoys crafting healthy snacks.  

Satisfying Their Tastebuds

The kids are starting to enjoy and participate in the healthy food projects a lot more since the start of this practicum. They are having fun making and eating their creations. They were all having a blast a couple of weeks ago when they were making whole grain oatmeal cookies.

As I was cleaning a couple children asked for the recipe. This made me stop in place and put me in the mindset of amazement. These kids want to learn and grow. The site wants us to teach these kids how to chef up healthy snacks in a fun and exciting way. These ideas being implemented is needed because this is the youth of our nation. Healthy living is a must in a child's life. Going off that, this gave me and Hannah the idea to craft a recipe book, newsletters/templates and a bulletin board. These needs for the site is essential because the children can always refer back to what and how we made each snack. 

The week after we made a fruit salsa and a veggie dip. The kids mixed in berries, apples, diced kiwis and some brown sugar. The kids mashed all the ingredients together and made a sweet delicious salsa. They dipped in with cinnamon crackers for a savory taste. Since the kids love their sweet fruits this was a great recipe to chef up.

Here's a video of one of the kids cutting a golden macintosh apple.

The veggie dip did not go as well as the fruit salsa. You know kids and their veggies, only a select few really enjoyed the snack, others still ate it, but did not seem to enjoy the dup. The dip contained plain greek yogurt, parsley, garlic power, onion power, salt and black pepper. The kids all had fun mixing in the ingredients in large bowls. Prepping the snack always seems to go well with the kids, even though there is always a decent size mess at the end. Once all the ingredients were mixed together kids were given celery, cucumbers and carrots to dip.

As cooking days go on the kids seem to be always looking forward to the next, so this puts a huge smile on my face. Guiding these children to make healthier snack choices is why I am here at this site. If they are satisfied, I am completely content.

My First 10 Hours

            My site for the nutrition practicum is the recreational center in downtown Keene on Washington street. The recreational center is used for an after school program for grades K-5th. The facility has classrooms, a gym with basketball courts and a field. I will be teaching these children how to make healthy snacks once the kitchen is open in a couple of weeks. The first day is always the most nerve-raking, even with kindergarteners. Most of the counselors are still in high school. The day always starts at 3:30 at the rec center. The kids are given milk and pretzels for a snack. Kids love their milk, plus it is fat free. However, a few steps beyond on the entrance into the rec center, there is a vending machine, and some kids go straight there to purchase chips or gummy candies. 

            At 4’o’clock we go either to the gym or outside. In the gym we either play floor hockey, dodge ball, or soccer. The kids get really competitive and engaged with the sports. The outside is  beautiful with an up to date jungle gym and World War II memorials. Outside the kids play tag and run the track. Kids participate in physical activity for an hour each day at the rec center. By 5:30 the day ends and most of the parents have picked up their children. 

The Jungle Gym

            As days go on I’m starting to get to know the children and other counselors a lot more. Also started to realize who are the well behaved ones and who are the ones receiving coal in their stockings. I'm surprised that the counselors are so lenient, if I was counseling these kids they would not hear the end of it. 

            The first day of cooking took place this past Monday. There is a little kitchen with a window that connects to a bigger room where the kids are. All of us made Apple Carrot Muffins with raisins. Hannah and I put out all the ingredients in bowls so the kids can mix the solids ingredients together as well as the liquid ones. Afterward we put the pan of raw muffins into the oven and waited 15 minutes. 

           

             Once they cooled the kids enjoyed their muffins with a glass of milk. However, of course there were those who are stubborn and did not even bother trying their creation. I cannot imagine these kids at home because the crumb trails they made were extraordinary. I spent 20 minutes sweeping those floors. However, the experience I had was just as mind-boggling. I am excited to see what else this practicum has in store.

Pros that come out of this practicum is that it is energizing participating with hyper children. A teaching aspect is involved by showing them how to craft healthy snacks. Some cons that come out of this is the distance. A bike works well, but will not if it downpours. Another annoyance is cleaning for 35 children. Some did not even bother cleaning up after themselves after eating the carrot stuffed muffins.