this is one place you don't want to learn safety skills through trial and error. This is why teaching individuals safety skills in the kitchen, is important. Here are some safety skills to consider teaching: (1) washing your hands before cooking, (2) not letting certain foods touch, due to cross contamination, (3) cooking foods to the proper temperature, (4) using pot holders and mitts to touch hot items, (5) cleaning up after cooking, and sanitizing, (6) using kitchen appliances and utensils, including knives, and (7) what foods can and cannot go in the fridge. This is not an extensive list, but a great starting place.

4. SETTING THE TABLE

Whether you sit together at the dinner table each night together as a family or not, knowing how to set the table is an important skill to have. What needs to be on the table and what doesn't? What serving utensils are needed for the meal? You also need to make sure you have enough place settings for everyone who will be eating, and enough spots and chairs at the table.

5. HEALTHY FOOD VS. JUNK FOOD

This one may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes you really are craving a donut… and that's okay! Junk food is okay in moderation, and this is a skill that we can teach. Using the Kid's Healthy Eating Plate chart and the Healthy Eating Pyramid is a great place to start. Your child's teacher is also a great asset in this learning.

6. CONNECT FOOD TO ANOTHER LESSON OR ACTIVITY

I love to connect food to any lesson or activity, because the possibilities are endless! Maybe you're reading a story and the main character is making chicken noodle soup. You could take this opportunity to talk about how to make the soup and what ingredients are needed, and maybe even go a step further and make it together or have your child help you order a bowl of chicken noodle soup from a local diner for dinner. Maybe you're at the zoo and the zookeepers are feeding the giraffes. You could take the opportunity to talk about what the giraffe is eating, if it is a healthy or unhealthy food, if a human could eat what giraffes eat… so many possibilities! And all of these conversations lead to a larger understanding of food and nutrition in our world.

7. TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE

Allowing your child to go to the grocery store with you is a great way to introduce him or her to different foods and experiences. Here are some skills you can practice at the grocery store: (1) writing up a grocery list to purchase items, (2) locating items in the grocery store, (3) using a shopping cart, (4) making sure you have enough money to purchase the items in your cart, and (5) paying for your groceries (6) Counting the change.

8. ORDERING FOOD AT A RESTAURANT

This is a great skill for any individual, and with the power of technology this can be done in a physical restaurant, through drive through, over the phone, or through an app. This skill is very closely tied to communication, and is a great skill to practice!

There are so many ways to teach a child about proper nutrition and healthy foods, and it is my hope that this list is a helpful starting place for you and your child. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephanie is a dual-certified special education teacher, Master IEP Coach®, children's book author, and teacher mentor. She has a passion for creating engaging, adapted resources for teachers and students with disabilities, and is self-proclaimed #datanerd. She understands that not everyone will love IEPs as much as she does, but it is her hope that with the appropriate training and resources, teachers will not only advocate harder for student services and supports, but also bridge the gap between teachers and families to foster a true IEP Team. She also provides professional development for teachers. You can connect with her at mrsdscorner.com and theintentionaliep.com. Stephanie is also a huge mental health advocate, sharing her experiences and struggles to let others know that you can survive the dark seasons and thrive in life and teaching with a mental illness.