• CD-ROM
• Booklet
• Curriculum
• Web Site

• Upper elementary age children, grades 4-5. Ages 9-11

• General Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Meal Planning
• Eating Patterns
• Portion Sizes
• Healthy Eating Tips
• Grains/Whole Grains
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Dairy
• Meat and Beans
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Increased value for building character, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem as part of a plan for overall health. Dealing with food decisions commonly encountered by children of this age.

Content (pertains to all materials)

A. Use of MyPyramid or 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Material based substantially on MyPyramid or 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Comments:

Scrapbook uses MyPyramid food groups, and shows MyPyramid on one page, but lists the food groups in a different order (placing dairy first) rather than using the same order as MyPyramid.

B. Scope

Scope of information appropriate for target audience and essential topics discussed in appropriate detail.

C. Purpose

Purpose of material clearly stated in title or introduction.

Comments:

This information is provided in teacher guide, but no introduction seems to be offered to the students.

D. Organization

Material well-organized and major points presented clearly.

E. Accuracy

Information is accurate and recommendations current with content of MyPyramid and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

F. Learner Background

Material assumes that reader has some background information.

Comments:

Assumes basic knowledge of MyPyramid.

G. Learning Objectives

Learning objectives identifiable and met.

H. Learning Activities, Projects, or Interactive Learning Tools

Material includes a variety of stimulating and interesting learning experiences, questions, projects, or suggestions for further action that will involve the reader.

Comments:

A good variety of activities in scrapbook.

I. Objectivity/Sponsor Bias

Subject matter presented objectively and fairly. Company name may be mentioned but product name is not contained in text or illustrations.

Comments:

As mentioned earlier, the dairy group is prominently displayed as the first group, which is not in line with how MyPyramid is set up.

J. Inclusion of learning objectives, learner activities, instructional aids, lesson plans, evaluation component, identification of required instructional materials, web site with additional materials.

Material includes five or more of the above.

K. Recipes (if included)

No recipes are included.

L. Recipes (if included)

No recipes are included.

M. Instructional Resources

Instructor resources included with suggestions for enhancing the teaching process. Suggestions for follow-up learning activities/discussion questions included.

N. Credits, References and Resources (Including dates, publisher, etc.)

Current and complete credits, references, and resources listed.

O. Summary

All major ideas summarized or reviewed to reinforce key concepts; summaries easily identified.

Diversity

A. Role Models

Positive role models are provided in text and illustrations. Role models presented as having many roles, traits, and emotions.

B. Multi-cultural Representation

Racial, ethnic, and religious groups are represented in a factual manner showing a variety of roles, occupations, and values.

C. Different lifestyles and food patterns

Material reflects, but does not emphasize, a variety of values, practices, and/or food patterns representative of different lifestyles, cultures, and socioeconomic levels.

Comments:

On CD, characters represent different personalities commonly seen in upper elementary students.

Print Materials

A. Writing Style

Main ideas are clear and flow smoothly.

B. Writing Approach

Writing approach is positive and personal. Active voice is used most of the time.

C. Vocabulary

Vocabulary used is appropriate for intended audience. Minimizes use of technical terms and if used, are defined.

D. Supportive Illustrations

All of the illustrations contribute to the material and are on the same page as their textual references. Tables and graphs are as simple and easy to read as possible. All information needed in graphs and tables is provided in a form requiring no further explanation.

E. Layout and Design

Color, design, and layout of material are attractive, and stimulate interest, without being too busy. There is good balance between print and blank space.

F. Visual Quality

Paper weight used is heavy enough so that print from one side cannot be seen on the other side. Text is written in a font size that is easy to read, and the main body is not written in capital letters.

G. Headings/Cueing Devices

Topic headings are not clear and/or are provided for most but not all topic areas. Limited or no cueing devices included.

Comments:

Heading font is difficult to read.

H. Approximate Reading Level

Reading level is at or below 5th grade level for low-literacy materials. Assessment method provided.

Audiovisual Materials

A. Concept Presentation

Audio and/or visuals are mutually supportive to presentation of concepts.

B. Pace

Presentation progresses at a pace that permits comprehension. Pacing of dialogue is appropriate for absorbing concepts presented. Blank time is provided.

C. Auditory Quality

Speaker, voice and music are clear; sound is audible and has good quality.

D. Visual Quality

Visuals are clear and properly framed; graphics and titles are clearly visible; color, lighting, and editing enhance presentation of content.

E. Continuity

Continuity provides cohesiveness and smooth flow. Visuals in logical order. Auditory portion precisely matched with visual portion.

Overall Comments on Resource Reviewed

A. Positive Points of the Reviewed Resource:

Emphasis on both healthy food choices and activity choices.

B. Points that Could Be Improved:

Explanation of what is considered healthy before asking students to begin making choices.

C. General Comments

It is a very thorough program, but I wonder how many students would be able to participate in the CD-ROM program at once.

D. Overall Summary

The scrapbook activities are great and can be utilized with or without the CD-ROM. The teacher lessons are also great used together or as a stand-alone.

Reviewer Rating

Highly Recommended