Healthy Habits: Starting from the Classroom

Description

Concept by Ivana Kvasina

In today’s understanding, the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet are celebrated for their profound positive impacts on both mental and physical health. However, translating this knowledge into actionable classroom lessons can be a challenge.

This course offers educators a holistic approach to integrating the Mediterranean lifestyle into their teaching practices.

Through experiential learning, participants will explore vibrant food markets, engage in hands-on meal preparation sessions, and immerse themselves in Mediterranean horticulture.

The goal is to facilitate a deep understanding of Mediterranean food culture in an enjoyable and interactive manner. Participants will learn to craft nutritionally rich meals while discovering innovative ways to incorporate this knowledge into their classroom activities with students.

Expect a course filled with practical activities, collaborative teamwork, and physical movement. Participants will embark on city walks to absorb the local culture, promoting well-being and connection.

By the course’s end, educators will not only embrace the Mediterranean way of life but also feel equipped to transmit its benefits to their students, fostering a culture of well-being and vitality in their classrooms.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Learn about the Mediterranean lifestyle, culture, and food;
• Create outdoor teamwork tasks;
• Learn how to prepare nutritionally rich meals;
• Discover how to use the knowledge learned in the classroom with students.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course, introduction of teacher and participants;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Identification of the needs and goals of each participant;
• Introduction to the topic: “How food and active life can help us in everyday life?”.

Day 2 – Small but big changes in everyday life

• Morning workout (low-intensity workout for a better day);
• Debate: „How active life affects our body and mind?“ and „What is healthy?“ (we want to see what do you think and feel about it);
• Nutrition lecture about active life based on the latest research: “Moderation is key!˝;
• Learning how to apply learned knowledge in everyday school activities.

Day 3 – Healthy is fun and tasty

• Outdoor and indoor classroom;
• Learning about Mediterranean food and its benefits;
• Preparing delicious and simple meals (those that you can take to work).

Day 4 – Let’s do it

• Outdoor and indoor classroom;
• Explore the city food landscape;
• Including everything learned in activities for students.

Day 5 – Diversity

• Morning workout (low-intensity workout for a better day);
• Introduction to allergies and conditions that our students may have;
• Practical work – How to prepare raw but tasty food;
• Teach us something from your culture!

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Round up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.