The ABC's of the Real Treat! Nourishing young minds to eat good food

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On the anniversary of the launch of The ABC's of the Real Treat, a children's food book program, and the passing of Pope Francis on this Easter Monday, a dedication to his mission and values. Our knowledge shared is our knowledge given. Our way of life here in Newfoundland and Labrador has always been a labour of love. Each day is a working day. Our fishers fish, our planters plant and our community thrives on the determination of its people and our humility to all.

As above so below.

The Ode to Newfoundland

credit to CBC Music

Mel Strong Director Kid's Eat Smart Foundation

I am pleased to endorse the Foundations support to your project "The ABC's of the Real Treat". This concept is great, especially for the kids. I like that the format is fun and informal, and more of an exploration of food instead of a lecture about nutrition. I'm certain the kids will enjoy it very much.

Bruce Lane Learning Resources/Technology Teacher

I have reviewed her book and Power Point presentation and find them to be excellent resources. I observed Ms. Gerbeau's use of Power Point, Book and real foods with a Kindergarten class. They were interested and the activities certainly kept their attention. They absolutely loved tasting all the different foods. In fact, I was surprised to see young children being adventurous enough to taste some of the 'unusual foods'. I think this product would be an excellent resource for young children and would recommend it for teachers and parents.

Sharon Walsh, Kindergarten Teacher (Retired 2004)

I have found this program to be a useful resource in reinforcing good nutrition practices in young children. The program is interactive and motivating and the children's book is an added dimension that encourages further exploration.

Andrea Quinton, Kindergarten Teacher (2004)

Ms. Gerbeau's book is a great part of a discussion on nutrition. Her picnic activity was a highlight for my kindergarten children. I would recommend this book for any primary English language classroom. Thanks again.

Gerry Colbert Executive Director School Lunch Association

Congratulations on your initiative to produce a small but very informative booklet on nutrition for kids. The ABC's of the Real Treat is an excellent learning tool for young children (to learn) about the value of eating healthy foods. But more importantly, it makes the learning experience fun and easy to understand. It's a kid's book, written for kids. Congratulations! Perhaps you might think about writing one for adults so we can more easily understand and have fun learning about nutrition.

Elaine Harris Assistant Principal Mary Queen of Peace St. John's

The ABC's of the Real Treat is an absolutely delightful aloud read for a pre-school and lower level primary child. The message is presented in a light-hearted and humorous manner, very clear and very important, especially in light of the nutritional issues that exist among children today.

Carolyn, Johanna and Theresa, Kindergarten Teachers of Mary Queen of Peace

Hi Samantha!

We spent some time discussing your book. We could tell by their reactions that the children enjoyed your reading of the story and were actively engaged throughout. It was good to have the children exposed to a variety of foods from different cultures. The format (alphabetical order) of the book compliments our Kindergarten program and helps to meet the needs of some of our Language Arts outcomes. The Grocery List and the colour activities at the end of story encourages writing, which is one of the skills that we practice in class. These activities will motivate the children to take ownership of the text. The whole idea of healthy eating and nutritious treat choices coincides with the curriculum material contained in our Health program. It also compliments our initiative here at Mary Queen of Peace in promoting healthy eating habits. Congratulations, your hard work has produced a fine product!

The Story behind

The ABC's of the Real Treat

“The ABC’s of the Real Treat! was created as a take-home gift for kindergarteners in 2004. Knowing that I was conscious of healthy eating, my daughter’s kindergarten teacher asked if I would be interested in doing a little talk to her class for Nutrition Month (March). I agreed but when I began to think, “what can I do to teach 5-year-olds about nutrition?” I came up blank! I looked for inspiration elsewhere and said to myself, “I’m sure someone has done something to teach young children about healthy eating!”

After brainstorming and visualizing what others might do, I decided to take them on a picnic! I had a large basket and planned to fill it with fruits and vegetables. I located a red and white tablecloth, plates, toothpicks, and lots of napkins for The ABC’s Picnic.

Prior to this, I began to write this book that lay dormant in my computer waiting to find a word to rhyme with “spinach”. I thought, how wonderful it would be to complete this little book to present as a gift to every young person to show Mom and Dad!

Then, I found pictures of real fruits and vegetables and created a slideshow to present at the picnic. Everything was almost done! But one thing remained missing: Sound. I decided to create the presentation based on the 5 senses and the sound of crunchy vegetables was okay, but it needed something more. I came up with the effects of bird song to play in the background of the ABC’s Slideshow of our indoor picnic!

When the day came to present, I asked the vice principal, if I could photocopy the booklet for each student. Amazed at my creation, she suggested I get it published. “There is nothing like this out there!” I said, “well, if you think it’s good enough for this presentation, I will have to figure out a way to get it to all kids in the province.” And so, the venture began.

In 2007, with funding from the Sisters of Mercy and Presentation, distribution help from Aliant Pioneers and many friends and family members, 15,000 books went into the hands of every 5–7-year-old in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for Earth Day. With the help of Sally LeDrew of Sally LeDrew Photography, taking all the photographs of food, Neil Conway a local musician, recording the bird songs of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Kim Todd, founder of Guide to the Good, who edited The ABC’s Facilitator’s Guide for teachers to use in the classroom and conduct this fun program, all was set!

Since then, several picnics have been presented, and this experiential program has been recognized by educators across the country of Canada.

Set in a rhyming pattern, with “Sam” the happy face, and colourful real photos of fresh food, The ABC’s of the Real Treat! is fun while learning about fruits and vegetables from A to Z. A colouring page is on the back cover for kids to create their own basket too!”

To purchase your copy of The ABC's of the Real Treat! contact info@newfoundcare.ca