A new school year is right around the corner, and with the changing schedules, we know how hard it can be to stay on top of healthy habits.
That’s why KLRN has collected some easy-to-follow recipes and fun activities from The Healthy Kids Project to keep you and your kids moving and grooving as we prepare to go back to school.
Recipes:
Eating healthy can be overwhelming, especially during the back-to-school rush. Try these tw healthy snacks that are easy to make and enjoyable for the entire family.
DIY Snack Station Trail Mix
Perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, and other on-the-go occasions. Let kids build their own trail mix from these healthy options. Set each ingredient out in bowls or containers with scoops for easy access.
Ingredients
Base Options (choose 1–2):
- Whole grain cereal (like Cheerios or Chex)
- Pretzel twists or pretzel sticks
- Mini rice cakes or popcorn
Protein Boosters (choose 1):
- Roasted sunflower seeds (unsalted)
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- Mini almonds or cashews (if allergy-safe)
Fruity Fun (choose 1–2):
- Dried cranberries
- Raisins or golden raisins
- Dried banana chips
- Dried apple pieces
A Touch of Sweet (optional, choose 1):
- Mini dark chocolate chips
- Yogurt-covered raisins
- Mini marshmallows
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Set up your "Snack Station" with all ingredients in separate bowls or jars.
- Give each kid a reusable snack bag or small container.
- Let them scoop and mix their favorite combo (about 1/2 cup total).
- Seal, shake, and enjoy!
Healthy Kids Recipe -- Pumpkin Bites
Here is another recipe from our friend Ethel with The Healthy Kids Project:
Activities:
Moving our bodies can help increase our focus, that is why during this back-to-school time it is so important that we encourage our kids to move their bodies! Physical activity helps blood flow to our brains, increasing oxygen levels and helping us think clearly. Here are some fun activities to help us move our bodies throughout the day.
The most important part of the day is waking up! Movement in the morning can help our energy levels.
Here's a fun video from The Healthy Kids Project, showing us how to move our bodies after a long sleep or after a long stretch of sitting:
Here are some other fun ideas for how to stay active and moving:
- Move fast and slow with Dot:
https://klrn.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/get-moving-fast-and-slow-dots-spot/get-moving-fast-and-slow-video-animation-dots-spot/
- Moving our bodies can also help ease frustration and anger. Here’s our friend Grover teaching us how to move to relieve these frustrations:
https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/move-it-out-bundle/
- Here is a quick resource for our parents on why movement is important and how you can explain this to your kids:
https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/parent-workshop-move/
More ways to stay active (Bilingual resources)
- Get Moving: Grades 1 and 2 | PBS KIDS (available in English and Spanish)
- Not About Perfection | The Healthy Kids Project (available in English and Spanish)
We hope that all these resources will help you get started on the right foot this back-to school.
Stay active and stay healthy!