Nibble with Willow Partner Interview: PS 131 in Queens
We sat down with Kelly Cintron to discuss the impact of the Nibble with Willow program on the young learners at PS 131Q. Read what she had to say.
As an AP, what unexpected benefit from Nibble with Willow have you seen for students and or for teachers?
What has been wonderful to see is the support staff and others like safety agents, kitchen workers, school aides, speech, OT teachers (those NOT directly engaged in the program) talking about the program. While delivering food to classrooms, I encounter various staff members who talk to me about the program and how it is impacting our students, showing their interest, as well as supporting the culture of our building in spreading the message of health and wellness.
When you first learned about the program and the use of puppetry, what about that attracted you to bring it to your school?
My first teaching experience was with Pre-K students, where I learned the benefits and impacts of puppetry through reading and writing programs. Acting out through puppetry allows teachers and students to share their thinking in an engaging and comfortable way. When I saw Willow, I knew that students would love to hear about her adventures with food.
How have children reacted to the new foods each month? Have you seen or have teachers reported a progression in their attitudes, e.g. more openness to trying new, unfamiliar foods?
The children at PS 131Q are extremely honest about their feelings about new foods they try. Most love the new vegetables that they are nibbling. In one class, I noticed a child request 3 servings of fruit kebabs. Kiwis were a huge hit! My favorite thing to see is both teachers and students eating together at their desks, having conversations about the experience.
What advice would you give a new school contemplating to start this program?
Consider the purpose behind what impact this program brings to the school as a whole. A foundation for healthy eating is what is being created. The learning that comes from having this program in the building spreads widely as the habit of healthy eating is made visible throughout the building. Engage as many people in your school community through staff circulars, parent newsletters, social media, or word of mouth to spread the word that Nibble with Willow is in your building. The more people that know, the bigger impact will have.
