ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to reduce sodium (Na) intake and to establish healthy dietary lifestyles of children. To achieve these goals, we searched, collected, and analyzed the materials related to the Na education, based on which the research personnel-professors and graduate students in nutrition and child education and elementary school teachers discussed to figure out major topics, objectives, and detailed contents and activities appropriate for Na intake reduction. Also a survey was done on the sodium intake and nutrition knowledge of the elementary students. We also organized an advisory committee composed of 15 professionals in related fields to discuss the adequacy and validity of the specific contents. Finally, we systematically organized the contents and developed children's textbooks and teacher's guidebooks. Considering the different cognitive development stages of junior and senior elementary students, we developed two different textbooks for each of them which are easy to read and understand, fun to play with lots of activities, and designed to practice into daily life. The contents cover three major topics-the concept of Na, Na in food, Na in life and are composed of 6 units in total. To help teachers understand and instruct, teacher's guidebook contains an overview of the education, specific information and practical guidelines for each class. We developed these education materials with the aim of lowering children's Na consumption and eventually promoting their health welfare; hopefully we expect these materials would be useful for children's nutritional education in the field.