Pittsburgh, July 22, 2011– As the school year comes to a close, South Butler Primary School hosted Watermelon Day with the country’s only Rockstar Nutritionist. Culminating students’ yearlong math, reading and science lessons with the Rockstar Nutritionist’s trademark music and movement-based learning, the Knoch school became a movie set for a free online video. Parents and educators can use this tool for ideas on how to incorporate nutrition education into existing curriculum to establish healthy habits in students.
“With all the competition from unhealthy food advertising, we are constantly running a PR campaign for healthy food. One of the ways
you can get kids excited about healthy food is to involve them in your campaign. That way, eating healthy food doesn’t seem like punishment,” says the Pittsburgh-based Rockstar Nutritionist Jill Jayne, a registered dietitian and musician.
Jayne worked with first grade teacher Melinda Gourley to develop the day’s activities, including serving up fresh cut watermelon for the kids to try. While Mrs. Gourley reviewed adjectives to describe the senses, Jayne reviewed the importance of eating fruit with a song called “Nature’s Candy.” Their collaboration created a positive opportunity for kids to be successful with healthy food. Katrina Hovanec declared, “I tried watermelon before and I didn’t like it, and now I tried it today and I really like it.”
Matthew Imhoff asked if every day could be Watermelon Day.
Watch the video here.
About Jill Jayne
Jill Jayne, MS, RD, is the country’s only Rockstar Nutritionist. Jill is the leading expert at creating and delivering interactive media about health for kids and families. She is an agent for social change around childhood obesity prevention and treatment, creating acclaimed live performances, original music and tools for educators that make nutrition rock. Jill’s knack for rock ‘n roll nutrition is the result of being her experience as a musician and training in nutrition. Jill’s rock band Sunset West has toured and recorded extensively in the mainstream music scene including The Vans Warped Tour and The Next Great American Band on FOX. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Jill is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition education from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in nutrition and theater from Penn State University. Before becoming a professional Rockstar Nutritionist, Jill was writer, producer and host of the nationally-syndicated, nationally-acclaimed children’s nutrition news program What’s in the News for PBS and a New York City public school teacher. Jill is from Pittsburgh, PA.
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To find out about tour dates or to learn more, visit www.jumpwithjill.com. To schedule an interview with Jill, contact Mark Jayne at 917-497-4248 or mark@notetohealth.com.
Congratulations on the wonderful programs that you have developed. We at the WIC Program are always looking for ways to help our familes with children under 5 years to get excited about trying new foods and making healthier choices.
You are a terrific example of what nutrition is all about…just eating!!!
Go Steelers!! You are yet another reason that makes Pittsburgh special!!
C