Jump Into Foods and Fitness (JIFF) is a research-based curriculum that features eight “Kangaroo Jumps” or sessions that help kids ages 8 to 11 (grades 3 to 5) learn the importance of nutrition, increased physical activity and food safety.

Jump Into Foods and Fitness (JIFF) is a research-based curriculum that features eight “Kangaroo Jumps” or sessions that help kids ages 8 to 11 (grades 3 to 5) learn the importance of nutrition, increased physical activity and food safety.

Jiff the Joey invites kids and teen volunteers to experience a fun way to a healthier lifestyle! Children will participate in fun new physical fitness and nutrition activities while they:

  • Increase strength, flexibility and endurance
  • Taste new foods
  • Prepare tasty snacks
  • Learn how to keep foods safe

Most of all kids will have fun while they jump, learn and run!

The eight JIFF lesson components include:

• H for Health
You’ll learn about how you can use My Plate to discover the best foods and fitness activities for you.
• Go the Distance With Grains
Learn about the foods of the grain group by doing activities like the “Great Grain Obstacle Course” and make your own jump rope so you can hop,    skip and jump your way to fitness.
• High Five for Health
Did you know that there are five kinds of fruits and vegetables? These super foods provide you with vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber – things that keep you healthy and strong. Learn more about these important parts of your daily diet and about ways to build your fitness through activities like the “Fitness Scavenger Hunt.”
• Moooving and Motion
In “Muscle Mania,” explore the 12 muscle groups that are important to keep you moving and active. You’ll also learn about the foods that provide the vitamins and proteins that help build and repair these muscles.
• Power Up the Day
Learn how eating a nutritious breakfast gives you the energy you need to start your day right. Explore how morning fitness activities can give you even more power for your day!
• On the Go
When you’re on the go, snacks can provide the energy you need. You’ll learn about how you can create healthy snacks using the five food groups, and you discover “activity snacks” you can use to improve your fitness.
• Choices for Good Health
Learn to read the labels on foods so you can make your best nutrition choices. You’ll also design a game using your own fun movement activities.
• Celebrating JIFF
It’s a nutrition and fitness party! Celebrate what you’ve learned in JIFF by creating your own goals for future fitness and eating choices.

Want to Get Involved With JIFF?

Contact your county Michigan State University Extension office to see how you can get JIFF programming in  your area.

JIFF Helps You Take Action!

After you have learned more about healthy and active living, you can put your ideas into action! Decide on one or two nutrition or physical activity goals to start this week and write them on a large sheet of paper. Decide with your family where you can put them so you will see them every day! JIFF the Joey Kangaroo sometimes keeps goal sheets on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror or at eye level on a door.

Now develop your JIFF Plan of Action to make your goals happen for you! Your actions may be dancing during TV commercials, trying new food choices, starting to jump rope or skate, or joining a sports team! Use the JIFF Eating and Physical Activity Goal Sheet to “jump start” into action!

Jiff the Joey wants you to remember:

Build strong bodies and brainpower with . . .

Snacking choices such as fresh and dried fruit; crunchy veggies; whole grain crackers, tortillas or pita; cheese chunks or yogurt; granola, nuts or cereal

AND

Physical activity choices such as playing active games with friends; jumping rope or hula hooping; playing basketball or baseball; biking, skating or skateboarding; dancing or playing hopscotch.

 

Resources

News

View complete listing