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  • Derrick Miller/The Duncan Banner Preston Estrada, Megan Hendrix and Genesis Williams eat various fruits during a healthy eating program at the Duncan Public Library.

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  • Derrick Miller/The Duncan Banner Oklahoma Home and Community Education members Sharon Hopson and Rose Cox read to children at the Duncan Public Library.

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March 22, 2013

OHCE teaches children healthy eating at library

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — A few books and a handful of songs put healthy eating in perspective for young children Thursday at the Duncan Public Library.

The Oklahoma Home and Community Education held a program during Story Time at the library as part of an OHCE state project. This included OHCE members reading to children and introducing various types of fruits to the children.

“It’s a state project for OHCE; every county is asked to participate,” Brenda Gandy, OSU Extension Office educator, said. “We’ve been going into some of the schools. We went to Comanche and will be going to Empire.”

During the program, OHCE members read story books relating to fruits. Children’s librarian Darbie LaFontain followed up with singing about fruit and got the children moving to a few songs, including the “Chicken Dance.”

LaFontain said the OHCE program was something a bit different to do with the children. She said the children learned, but also had fun.

“It was a hit,” LaFontain said. “They were so well behaved.”

A couple of OHCE members discussed the various fruits mentioned in one book, including some things they hadn’t known before researching.

Gandy said the OHCE members have been enjoying turning children onto reading and eating fruits. She said the excitement of the children is the payoff of the project.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Gandy said. “I think it’s so great the library is easy to work with.”

The OHCE members and the children had such a good time that two more healthy eating programs were discussed for the Summer Reading Program. The healthy eating topics would include vegetables and breads.

Gandy said the group has plenty of books to entertain and educate the children about eating healthy. She said the initial program was a lot of fun, and she is looking forward to the summer to continue teaching the children about healthy eating.

LaFontain said the OHCE group was a great addition to the usual routine at the library.

“I’m impressed with their knowledge and teamwork,” LaFontain said.

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