Classroom Environment - Introduction
Teachers are committed to delivering the NSW Department of Education (DET) curriculum with goals and objectives centering on the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The curriculum has six Key Learning Areas (KLA) and each KLA has detailed required outcomes. A great deal of planning and thought has to go into lesson plans to meet the requirements of a crowded curriculum.
It is important when we health professionals work on projects with schools that we recognise these priorities in the classroom and don’t add to the work of teachers.
The strategies that Tooty Fruity Vegie introduces in the classroom environment are the Classroom Manuals, the Kids in the Kitchen cooking program, Fruit Breaks and Positive Feedback.
Teachers Guides
The Classroom Manuals are Stage specific. Stage 1 is Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2; Stage 2 is Years 3 and 4; and Stage 3 is Years 5 and 6. Each Manual is set up with Lesson Plans designed in the context of the NSW DET syllabus to achieve objectives and outcomes while delivering a message promoting vegetable and fruit consumption. There are also a range of Timesavers supporting the same message which can be used during other lessons throughout the year.
Kids in the Kitchen & Parent Training
The Kids in the Kitchen program was developed by the WA Dept of Health. Classroom volunteers are trained to work with the teacher to provide a series of lessons giving children skills in vegetable and fruit preparation. 
Fruitbreaks 
Fruit Breaks were suggested by one of our schools as a way for children to eat the fruit they were bringing to school but often not eating! Fruit Breaks also provide some much needed fuel in the time between breakfast and morning tea.
Positive Feedback
Positive Feedback usually occurs in many ways in school environments, and with a Tooty Fruity Vegie school, teachers use the lunch supervision time to praise the inclusion of vegetables and fruit in lunchboxes or orders from the canteen.
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