May 31- June 3, 2016
Good Belly Grub!
We filled our bellies with good grub this week in Nutrition Expedition! As we begin our digestive unit this month, we will be learning all about the parts of our digestive system, how it functions, and the importance of giving it healthy food!
I first showed the 2-, 3-, and 4-year olds a few short video clips about the digestive system, which you can view below. *Disclaimer: the first video is a bit yucky (a video scope of the inside of the stomach and intestines), but so interesting! The kids were fascinated!
We discussed each step of the digestive process (our teeth chew the food, which mixes with saliva to make for easier swallowing, it travels down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is broken down by enzymes in our stomach acid, and bile from our liver. It is then emptied into our small intestines, where nutrients and minerals are absorbed into our bloodstream. The leftover waste is deposited into the large intestine where it eventually becomes fecal matter). Finally, it was feeding time! I offered them yogurt (full of good bacteria which replenish the normal flora in our gastrointestinal track), green cabbage (a good source of fiber, which helps your body digest and keeps you regular), brown rice (also a good source of fiber), and bananas (help restore normal bowel function). Yum-yum! Our stomachs felt great after eating all of these delicious, good-for-your-belly foods!
Super Sleuth Questions
1. What is in your mouth (besides your teeth) that helps you chew your food so that you can swallow it easier? (answer: saliva, or spit)
2. Where does your food go after you chew it? (answer: your stomach)
3. What does your food eventually turn into, after your body uses up everything that it needs? (answer: poop!)
