Early Sprouts

Welcome to the Early Sprouts
Gardening Project

Gardening and Nutrition Experiences
for the Young Child

The 24-week Early Sprouts Curriculum:

The Early Sprouts model provides a “seed to table” experience with the lifespan of the six target vegetables.
The curriculum aligns with many state standards for early learning and with the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria (2005).
Each week, for 24 weeks, one of the six target vegetables is featured.
At the start of the week, the children engage in sensory exploration of the vegetable.
Sensory exploration is followed by a cooking activity featuring a target vegetable recipe. Recipes were selected for ease of production, affordability, quality of product, and acceptability of taste.
At the end of the week, the children pack a Family Recipe Kit that includes the recipe and needed ingredients. The goal is to reinforce the healthy eating and food preparation experience at the family level.
Our pilot research data found that children are more willing to taste a new food when they have touched, smelled, and explored it, and are more apt to eat what they have actively created.

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