Growth charts are used by doctors to monitor children's height and weight gains between ages 2-5 which average 2.5 inches and 4-5 pounds per year to check their growth pattern is normal; a child's growth is influenced by genetics, nutrition, sleep, and health issues; parents can help support healthy growth by establishing good eating habits including variety, portion sizes, and making mealtimes family times.

1. Parent News Letter
Growth during preschool years
Is my child growing the way he or she should be?
There is a wide range of "normal" growth. Between the ages of 2 and 5, the average child grows
about 2½ inches taller each year, and also gains 4 to 5 pounds each year.
Growth charts are a good way to monitor your child's growth and health.
You and your preschooler's doctor are partners in maintaining your child's health.
Your preschooler's growth over time is an important sign of good health and nutrition.
Visit your doctor regularly. As part of the visit, the doctor will weigh and measure
your child. He or she can then plot your child's information on a growth chart. Over time, the
curve of the growth chart will show your child's growth pattern and whether height and weight
growth are increasing at the same rate. Your doctor will monitor the growth chart to be sure your
child continues to follow the same "curve" over time and the growth pattern does not
unexpectedly change.
See where your child compares to others of the same age & sex on a growth chart
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/growth-input-chart.html
What influences growth?
Growth is one of the best indicators of good health and nutrition in children. Heights and weights
differ depending on:
Family History - Tall parents tend to have tall children. Short parents tend to have short
children.
Sex - Preschool boys tend to be taller than preschool girls. Boys and girls tend to have
similar weights until puberty.
Nutrition - Healthy food choices are necessary for your child’s growth.
Sleep - Preschoolers need 11-14 hours of sleep a day, including naps and nighttime sleep.
Health status - Chronic illness or other special needs in children can also affect growth.
Children who are sick often or have special needs should be closely monitored by their
doctor.

2. The Center for disease control and prevention website provides more information about growth
charts.
http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/
Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Many things influence what and how much your child eats.
As a parent, you have the most influence on your child. You
can do a lot to help your children develop healthy eating
habits for life:
Set a Good Example
Offer a Variety of Foods
Start Small with Portions
Help Them Know When They've Had Enough
Follow a Meal and Snack Schedule
Make Mealtime a Family Time
Cope with a Picky Eater
Help Them Try New Foods
Make Food Fun
Your preschooler's normal growth and development also play a big role in their eating habits. As
preschoolers grow, they change physically, mentally, and socially. These changes affect everything they
do, including eating.
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/healthy-habits.html
Picky eating is typical for preschool children. It is simply another step in the process of growing
up and becoming independent.
As long as your preschooler is healthy, growing normally, and has plenty of energy,
he or she is most likely getting needed nutrients.
If you are concerned that your child's picky eating has lasted for a long time or is
very restrictive, speak with your child’s doctor.

3. Planning Sheet
Curriculum Area: Science
Cue: Child was eating at the lunch table and is always playing with the water running down the side of
the cup.
Child was having snack and said I love celery.
Experience selected: Will create science experiment using celery and fool colouring.
Materials:
Celery
Food colouring
Clear plastic cups
Water