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.