Husky Reads - A Nutrition Literacy Curriculum from UConn Health
Husky Reads is one of Husky Nutrition’s most innovative and enduring programs. Since 1998 this Nutrition Literacy program has combined the benefits of reading with the basics of good nutrition in a format that children love.
UConn students teach the Husky Reads curriculum as part of a service learning course. The series of 10, 30-minute lessons cover MyPlate nutritional messages encouraging preschool children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Children read a nutrition-focused book, while also being offered a healthy snack and activity, thereby reinforcing a child’s enthusiasm for nutritious choices. The program typically takes place in early care and education centers in under-served urban areas, and is also offered at libraries and WIC clinics. Following are the components of the Husky Reads Curriculum.
UConn students teach the Husky Reads curriculum as part of a service learning course. The series of 10, 30-minute lessons cover MyPlate nutritional messages encouraging preschool children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Children read a nutrition-focused book, while also being offered a healthy snack and activity, thereby reinforcing a child’s enthusiasm for nutritious choices. The program typically takes place in early care and education centers in under-served urban areas, and is also offered at libraries and WIC clinics. Following are the components of the Husky Reads Curriculum.
Husky Reads Lesson Plans
- Lesson 1 - What I Like About Healthy Me!
- Lesson 2 - Filling MyPlate with Healthy Choices
- Lesson 3 - Fruit for ALL!
- Lesson 4 - Various Vegetables
- Lesson 5 - Dairy for Healthy Teeth and Bones
- Lesson 6 - Grains Help You Go!
- Lesson 7 - Power Up with Protein
- Lesson 8 - Let's Make MyPlate Healthy
- Lesson 9 - Taste a Rainbow of Color
- Lesson 10 - Taste Explorers
Husky Reads Resource List
The following resource list provides suggested materials and purchasing information for the Husky Reads Curriculum.
Husky Reads Fidelity Checks
The following fidelity observation forms were created to ensure that students deliver the curriculum according to the prescribed lesson plans.
Husky Reads Evaluation Reports FY 2018
Below are the evaluations that were conducted on the Husky Reads program during Fiscal Year 2018.
Husky Reads Program Manager
Since it is run as a service learning course at UConn, the Husky Reads program requires oversight by an experienced Program Manager. This individual participates in program developmental and planning, provides logistical support, assists with student recruitment and registration, manages the summer internship program, monitors the budget, and works with the evaluation team and instructors to ensure that the class aligns with the SNAP-Ed evaluation plan and framework. Find more on the "Role of the Husky Reads Program Manager" here [PDF].
Husky Reads Syllabus
The syllabus for the fall 2019 service learning course at UConn is below:
For more information on Husky Nutrition and Husky Reads, please visit UConn Health's Center for Population Health website through the following links:
Please Note: Files are in Adobe PDF format. You can find the free Adobe Reader software here. If you would like these files as Word documents, please Contact Us.
