Although I wasn’t a teacher long, as an ELS teacher, reading was something that was done daily in my class. Very early on I realized that some of the kids I was teaching didn’t like to read much. We would go to the library as a class once a week, and I had books in my classroom. Teaching 7th grade, I quickly learned that the kids I was teaching needed books about things they were interested in. Lots of my kids enjoyed reading, and like teen books and fantasy/sci-fi stories. Some kids only enjoyed reading about football. And I was cool with that! As long as they were reading, I was happy. The only homework I ever assigned was for kids to read at least 20 minutes a night.
Now Kraft Heinz wants to help kids read while eating snacks. According to Mashed, the company has created FUNdamental Textbooks, and the best part is they’re free! The company has books with snacks tucked away on the inside. For instance, their Jiggleometry book, a play on geometry, teaches kids about shapes and non shapes. Tucked inside of the book is a container of Jell-O. Cute! The book Nibbleonomy is about astronomy, helping kids learn about the universe. Inside this book is a cup of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
In addition, there’s a book called Stackonomics, about economics, and it has a Lunchable inside it. Slurpstory, a funny book about history has a slurpable Capri Sun inside. Very cute idea! Knowing that there’s a ‘prize’ inside will help kids to read more. I know as a kid I’d want to get to the tasty treat inside the books.
Even though the books are free, Kraft Heinz is donating $10 to the non-profit organization First Book. Every FUNdamental Texbook that’s ordered, $10 goes to the non-profit. I love this idea! First Book helps to supply all children books, no matter their background or zip code. Kraft Heinz is also donating $50,000 to the organization.
Teaching Title 1 students, I made sure the kids in my classes knew the importance of reading and writing. Many of the kids in my classes didn’t have parents in their lives, or they were living in not so great environments. I tried to let them know that to be successful, college wasn’t a must. Although reading and writing were. These are skills that we all use daily, no matter what are jobs are.
You can order the FUNdamental Textbooks here and if you’d like to donate to First Book, you can do that here.
Kraft Will Bribe Your Child To Learn With New Snack-Filled Books https://t.co/p5pxnX5wwp
— Mashed (@MashedHQ) September 6, 2023
Expert Shares Best 'Brain Foods' For Kids
Superfood Smoothies
Sometimes you have to hide the nutrition. Dr. Naidoo says to use leafy greens that are high in folate and fiber, like spinach and kale, along with chia seeds or walnuts for plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Add avocado for healthy fats and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For protein and gut-healthy probiotics that boost mood, mix in some plain, unsweetened yogurt.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Homemade Veggie Fries
Remember that air fryer you bought during the pandemic? Cut some zucchini, carrots, and green beans; add a little black pepper, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, parsley, or thyme for flavor; and crisp them up. Vegetables provide needed fiber and phytonutrients.
(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Homemade Hummus
Dr. Naidoo says legumes like chickpeas are healthy, plant-based sources of iron, zinc, protein and fiber, all of which are good for brain development. Whip up a batch and the kiddos can dip carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, or apple slices. You can even add some fun color to your hummus by using carrots or beets.
(Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Food Network Magazine)
Salmon
I’ve always heard that fish was “brain food.” Dr. Naidoo says salmon is loaded with B12 and omega-3s, which promote healthy brain development and happier moods. The trick is to introduce fish your kids when they’re really young.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Eggs
What’s not to love about eggs? I think eggs just might be nature’s perfect food. Dr. Naidoo says they’re a good source of brain-boosting vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, which has been shown to improve brain development and long-term memory. And, although pricier, pastured eggs can have twice as much vitamin E and almost three times as many omega-3s as caged eggs, according to one study.
(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Meatballs
Dr. Naidoo recommends sneaking some plant-based fiber and veggies into your child’s diet using meatballs. Start with beans, lentils or ground turkey as a base, add shredded spinach or zucchini, then use flax to add omega-3s and as a binder. Don’t forget to flavor with some spices.
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
