PICTURE BOOKS AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS: AN INTERVENTION STUDY IN A GREEK PRESCHOOL SETTING

Authors

  • Eleni Tympa Department of Early Years Learning & Care, University of Ioannina, Greece
  • Vasiliki Karavida Department of Early Years Learning & Care, University of Ioannina, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v8i4.3680

Keywords:

early childhood, picture books, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, educational activities

Abstract

Experiences with food preferences begin in infancy and continue to develop on children transition to solid food. Children’s food preferences are influenced by availability and familiarity with foods as well as parental modeling and health related picture books. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether picture-books regarding healthy lifestyle can influence children’s eating preferences. A questionnaire related to the use of picture-books at home and lifestyle habits was distributed to all parents. Picture-books were provided to all parents. At the same time children were allocated in two groups: the intervention group, which took part in further activities (cooking), and to a comparison group. Interviews were addressed to the parents after the program. The ethical concern included confidentiality assurance and the choice to withdraw. Findings revealed that the daily reading of books about food was increased in both groups. Most of the families of the intervention group reduced fast food and sweet consumption and increased outdoor activities. Implications on the influence of books and additional activities on promoting child attitudes on healthy food will be discussed.

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Author Biographies

  • Eleni Tympa, Department of Early Years Learning & Care, University of Ioannina, Greece
    Dr. Eleni Tympa is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Early Years Learning and Care at the University of Ioannina, Greece. Her research focus is on the healthy life style of preschool children, the role of the story telling on the healthy life style, the pretend play and art activities and their contribution to the child’s development.
  • Vasiliki Karavida, Department of Early Years Learning & Care, University of Ioannina, Greece
    Dr. Vasiliki Karavida is an Assistant Professor at the department of Early Years Learning & Care at the University of Ioannina, Greece. Her areas of research involve nutrition, education and all-round development in early childhood.

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Published

2021-04-13

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2021)

Section

Articles

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