Early Years Training Academy

It's second term break already and I trust our kids to keep demanding for food constantly this period 😍. Nevertheless one trip we must avoid is stuffing them with unhealthy foods sometimes unintentionally because we do not have a plan or we just exhausted all our options. Right below is a plan we can work it to keep our children filled, healthy and happy 🤩.

Here is a simple Nigerian holiday meal plan for young children (ages 2–10) that is healthy, affordable, filling, and child-friendly 🍲🍌🥚

✅ DAILY FEEDING GUIDE FOR CHILDREN

During holiday, children tend to snack too much, so aim for:

-Breakfast
-Mid-morning fruit/snack
-Lunch
-Evening snack
-Dinner
-Plenty of water

Include these daily:

Protein: egg, beans, fish, chicken, moi moi

Energy food: yam, rice, pap, bread, potatoes, swallow

Vitamins: fruits, vegetables

Healthy fats: groundnut, avocado in moderation

🗓️ 7-DAY HOLIDAY MEAL PLAN

DAY 1 – MONDAY

Breakfast

Pap (ogi/akamu) + milk

1 boiled egg

Small banana

Snack

Watermelon slices

Lunch

Jollof rice

Chicken or fish

Cucumber/carrot sticks

Evening Snack

Homemade popcorn or groundnuts (for older kids only)

Or plain yoghurt

Dinner

Yam porridge with spinach

Fish

DAY 2 – TUESDAY

Breakfast

Bread + egg sauce

Tea or warm milk

Snack

Orange or tangerine

Lunch

Beans + sweet potato

Stew

Small fish

Evening Snack

Banana smoothie or tiger nut drink

Dinner

Eba or semo

Okra soup with fish/meat

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY

Breakfast

Oatmeal with milk

Sliced pawpaw

Snack

Apple or pear

Lunch

White rice + vegetable stew

Boiled egg or chicken

Evening Snack

Chin chin (small portion) + fruit

Dinner

Spaghetti with vegetables

Fish or meatballs

DAY 4 – THURSDAY

Breakfast

Yam + scrambled egg

Milo/tea or warm milk

Snack

Coconut pieces + banana

Lunch

Beans porridge with plantain

Fish

Evening Snack

Yoghurt + sliced fruit

Dinner

Amala or pounded yam

Ewedu/gbegiri with stew and fish

DAY 5 – FRIDAY

Breakfast

Moi moi + custard

Orange slices

Snack

Groundnut + banana

Lunch

Fried rice with vegetables

Chicken or fish

Evening Snack

Homemade fruit juice + crackers

Dinner

Irish potato porridge with carrots and fish

DAY 6 – SATURDAY

Breakfast

Pancake or akara + pap

Fruit slices

Snack

Pawpaw or mango (in season)

Lunch

Ofada rice or white rice + ayamase/mild stew

Egg or fish

Evening Snack

Smoothie (banana + milk + oats)

Dinner

Noodles with egg and vegetables
(Only occasionally, not every day)

DAY 7 – SUNDAY

Breakfast

Bread + sardine or avocado spread

Tea or milk

Snack

Pineapple or cucumber slices

Lunch

Rice and beans

Stew

Chicken or fish

Evening Snack

Yoghurt or homemade zobo (low sugar)

Dinner

Semovita or eba

Egusi soup with vegetables

🍎 HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS FOR HOLIDAY

Instead of too much biscuits and sweets, give:

Better snack choices:

Banana. Apple. Orange. Pawpaw. Watermelon
Coconut. Groundnut. Boiled corn. Popcorn
Yoghurt. Smoothies. Boiled egg. Moi moi
Sweet potato. Plantain chips (homemade)

🚫 FOODS TO REDUCE DURING HOLIDAY

Children at home often overeat these:

Too much soft drink

Too much biscuit

Excess sweets/chocolate

Too much noodles

Too much sugary cereal

Excess ice cream

Very spicy food

Energy drinks ❌

👶 AGE-SMART TIPS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

For ages 2–4

Cut food into small pieces

Avoid hard nuts if they may choke

Use less pepper

Give soft fruits

Smaller frequent meals

For ages 5–10

Add more protein

Encourage water after play

Give fruit after meals instead of sweets

Let them help prepare food (they eat better when involved)

💡 SIMPLE NIGERIAN HOLIDAY FEEDING RULE

A good child’s plate should look like this:

½ plate = rice/yam/pasta/beans

¼ plate = protein (egg, fish, chicken, beans)

¼ plate = vegetables/fruits

🛒 EASY WEEKLY SHOPPING LIST

Here is a simple list for the week you can choose from:

Rice. Beans. Yam. Sweet potatoes. Irish potatoes. Spaghetti. Oats. Custard. Pap. Bread
Eggs. Fish. Chicken. Beef. Moi moi ingredients
Yoghurt. Milk. Banana. Orange.Watermelon
Pawpaw. Pineapple. Apple. Spinach/ugu. Okro
Tomatoes. Pepper. Carrots. Cucumber. Onions
Groundnut. Popcorn maize. Crackers. Plantain
Avocado

⭐ BEST PRACTICAL HOLIDAY TIPS FOR NIGERIAN MUMS

Cook in larger batches

Keep boiled eggs ready

Wash and cut fruits ahead

Make homemade juice instead of soda

Avoid children “grazing” all day without real meals

Set snack times so they don’t skip lunch/dinner

I hope this will help. 💯❤🌹

Throwback Post

At Litville International School, Ibadan. I worked with an energetic joyful team who were curious to learn! Thank you Mrs Kehinde Fagbohun. I am glad they learned so much. I look forward to coming back again!

THROWBACK TO 2025 WORLD TEACHERS DAY!

5th October 2025.

Happy World Teachers today to all my colleagues in this work of moulding lives and providing holistic education to children! In alignment with this year theme, as ever before we need to advance the need for more productive team work and shared responsibilities, recognizing the power of collective strength in education.

Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession will empower teachers with the advantage of leveraging on other people's strength, foresight, talents and experience. It will motivate and build resilience in entrants and make challenges easier to navigate.

As a teacher who loves the profession, I send warm hugs and kisses to all my friends who are teachers ❤.

Pictures: I represented private school teachers and administrators at Nta Akure alongside the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Public Primary School Headteachers in Ondo State, discussing pertinent issues about teachers certification, welfare and the implementation of the 2025 World Teachers Day theme.

No 2. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERIES.

Understanding Whole Brain Development

Whole brain development is an educational approach that integrates activities and exercises designed to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. The left hemisphere is typically associated with logical thinking, language processing, and analytical skills, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness. By engaging both sides of the brain, educators can create a more well-rounded learning experience that caters to different learning styles and needs.

In special education in early childhood, where children often have unique learning challenges, whole brain development can be particularly beneficial. Traditional education methods may focus heavily on left-brain activities such as reading, writing, and math.

However, for children with special needs, integrating right-brain activities like music, art, and movement can enhance their learning experience, making it more inclusive and engaging.

Early childhood is a critical period for brain development. During this time, the brain is highly plastic, meaning it can adapt and change in response to different stimuli. This neuroplasticity is especially important in special education, where early intervention can lead to significant improvements in a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development.

For children with special needs, early intervention through whole brain development can help address developmental delays and learning difficulties. By introducing activities that stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, educators can create a learning environment that supports the child's individual needs, helping them build essential skills and confidence.

Implementing Whole Brain Development in Special Education

Implementing whole brain development in special education requires a thoughtful approach that considers the unique needs of each child. Here are some strategies that can be used to incorporate whole brain development into special education in early childhood:

1. Incorporating Movement and Physical Activity

Physical activity is crucial for brain development, as it helps improve motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function. In special education, incorporating movement into daily routines can stimulate both sides of the brain. Activities like dance, yoga, and simple exercises can be adapted to suit the child's abilities, making learning more interactive and fun.

2. Using Music and Rhythm

Music is a powerful tool for stimulating brain activity. It engages both the left and right hemispheres, promoting language development, memory, and emotional regulation. In special education, incorporating music into lessons can help children with speech and language difficulties, as well as those with sensory processing issues. Singing, playing instruments, and rhythmic activities can also improve coordination and social skills.

3. Incorporating Visual and Spatial Activities

Visual and spatial activities, such as drawing, painting, and building with blocks, engage the right hemisphere of the brain. These activities can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs, as they encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. In special education in early childhood, incorporating visual arts into the curriculum can provide an alternative way for children to express themselves and learn new concepts.

4. Encouraging Social Interaction and Emotional Development

Social interaction and emotional development are essential components of whole brain development. For children with special needs, social skills may not come naturally, so it's important to create opportunities for interaction in a supportive environment. Group activities, cooperative games, and role-playing can help children develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional regulation. In special education, these activities can be tailored to meet the child's developmental level and needs.

5. Integrating Technology

Technology can play a significant role in whole brain development for special education in early childhood. Educational apps and games designed to stimulate both sides of the brain can provide personalized learning experiences for children with special needs. These tools can be used to reinforce concepts, improve cognitive skills, and offer visual and auditory stimulation. However, it's important to use technology mindfully and in moderation, ensuring that it complements other hands-on and interactive activities.

The Role of Educators and Parents

Educators and parents play a crucial role in supporting whole brain development in special education. Collaboration between teachers, parents, and specialists is key to creating a cohesive learning environment that meets the child's needs.

1. Educator's Role

Teachers in special education should be trained in whole brain development techniques and strategies. They need to be flexible and creative in their approach, adapting lessons to suit the individual learning styles of their students. Ongoing professional development and collaboration with other educators and specialists can help teachers stay informed about the latest research and best practices in whole brain development.

2. Parent's Role

Parents are integral to their child's development, and their involvement is crucial in reinforcing whole brain activities at home. Parents can support their child's learning by incorporating brain-stimulating activities into daily routines, such as reading together, playing music, and engaging in creative play. Communication with educators is also important, as it ensures that both home and school environments are aligned in their approach to supporting the child's development.

Join us for this next cohort and make the top band you desire!

Ready to impact!

Every preschooler needs this!

UPDATES ON EYFS SAFEGUARDING REQUIREMENTS.

EYFS 2025, with just 4 months to go before this comes into place on the 1st September.

Thoughts:

What can nursery schools in Nigeria learn from this or implement for better practice ?? Let's get talking....