Interactive homework lessons for elementary students and parents: A pilot study of nutrition expedition

Requiring active participation in nutrition education lessons at home with parents/caregivers may improve children's nutrition knowledge and adoption of healthful eating behaviors. The objective of this project was to develop interactive homework lessons for first- to fourth-grade students and their parents/caregivers and pilot test in the home setting using a collaborative model with Cooperative Extension Service educators serving as community partners with classroom teachers. Lesson content and behavioral strategies emphasized planning and assessing food choices and were based on needs assessment data from teachers and parents/caregivers of school-aged children with social learning theory as the theoretical framework for lesson development. Pre- and post-tests examining changes in parent and child knowledge and reported behavior showed positive changes but varied with grade level and lesson content. In future programs, the number of lessons offered and their complexity need to be carefully considered when implementing interactive homework lessons with families.