C.A.T.C.H.

Are you wondering what CATCH is? CATCH is one of several wellness programs being placed in our school districts as a result of Texas law (SB 1357). Successful CATCH programs are teaching children healthy eating and physical activity behavior by blending:

• Classroom curriculum (called Go for Health)
• Physical education curriculum (CATCH PE)
• Food Service program (Eat Smart)
• Family involvement (Home Team)

For example, a teacher may discuss the importance of calcium in the body. Next, children bring pictures of high-calcium food from home to paste on the Food Guide Pyramid. In the cafeteria, the staff market calcium sources on the menu with colorful signs and staff involvement. In PE, the kids shout out calcium sources as they jump rope with a partner. The CATCH approach teaches and reinforces healthy behaviors more effectively because it is fun and repetitive.

The early CATCH research demonstrated that kids who learned healthy eating and physical activity habits in elementary school continued to practice healthy habits.
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