These interactive workshops incorporate the foundational principles of “How Does Learning Happen?” (2014), recognizing that children, families, and educators are all competent and capable, curious, and rich in experience. Workshops can be offered virtually or in-person and can be tailored to meet the needs of the host organization and participants as needed.

Janet is a charismatic and experienced speaker. She’s available to engage and inspire your audience at your next educational, corporate or community event.

Contact Janet to chat. Let’s explore opportunities to work together!

Workshop 1: Becoming Rainbow Food Explorers
A joyful, sensory approach to food education in the early years

This workshop will focus on how to make food experiences simple, engaging, and fun for children and families. It will enable adults to support children in becoming comfortable eating and enjoying a variety of foods and in discovering how food connects everything in their world. We’ll explore the concept of food literacy and why it’s so important today. We’ll discover the key ingredients in Rainbow Plate's colourful and evidence-based approach. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the impact of this joyful, sensory approach to food education. This series will provide core principles, program ideas, practical tips, and simple techniques for immediately bringing this magical approach to life in any early years setting. 

Audience: Educators and others who work with young children and families in any early years, community or educational setting.

Duration: This workshop may be offered in a variety of formats to best meet the needs of the host organization. It can be offered in-person or virtually, as a single event or a two or three-part series. Typical workshop sessions are 90 minutes.

Participants will:

  • Reflect on the possible challenges when we focus on “healthy eating” with children.

  • Explore the concept of food literacy and why it’s so important in today’s world. 

  • Discover the key ingredients in Rainbow Plate's colourful and evidence-based approach. 

  • Participate in hands-on food activities to experience this joyful, sensory approach.

  • Learn practical tips and techniques for ensuring that conversations and food experiences with children are positive and inclusive.

  • Explore opportunities for incorporating food education throughout their program.

  • Build strategies, program ideas and resources for bringing this approach to life in their setting.

  • Discuss potential barriers to implementation and engage in dialogue to develop strategies for overcoming those barriers.

  • Reflect and share experiences, ideas, and strategies they’ve put into practice.

  • Develop strategies to ensure that food experiences are accessible, engaging, inclusive, and fun for children and adults alike. 

  • Collaborate and engage in dialogue to consolidate and share personal growth.

Workshop 2: Peas and Harmony
Bringing JOY back to the table

Helping children cultivate a relaxed and positive relationship with food and eating makes mealtimes less stressful for everyone. Children who are comfortable at the table are much more likely to try, eat and ENJOY a variety of foods. This informal workshop will support adults in making this happen for the children in their care. Participants will learn the principles behind a proven approach and simple, practical strategies for making mealtimes more comfortable for everyone at the table.

Audience: Anyone who interacts with young children at meal and snack times: early childhood educators, cooks, parents, caregivers, grandparents. *This workshop can be offered separately for Supervisors and Front-Line Educators, to allow each group to explore and address their unique roles and considerations regarding feeding children in their settings.

Duration: 90 minutes *this workshop may be offered virtually or in-person

Participants will leave this workshop with:

  • A clear picture of what a healthy relationship with food can look like in young children.

  • The rationale and principles behind a simple strategy for supporting children to become more relaxed and comfortable around food.

  • Confidence in understanding what not to worry about when it comes to feeding young children.

  • An understanding of how adult language and behaviour around food impacts children.

  • Practical tips for preventing and managing common challenges at mealtimes.

  • Strategies for handling picky eaters.

  • Simple tips for minimizing stress and bringing joy back to the table.

  • Insight into how they can cultivate an organizational culture that supports the development of positive relationships with food.

  • Strategies for communicating effectively with families and community members.

Workshop 3: How Does Learning Happen Through Food?

“How Does Learning Happen?” guides us to support children’s early years experiences, learning, development, health, and well-being in ways that last throughout their lifetime. It shares how children learn through exploration, play and inquiry, and thrive when they and their families are valued as active participants and contributors.

This engaging and interactive workshop will support educators in building on the four foundations and wisdom of this key pedagogical document and bring them to life using food as a vehicle for learning. We’ll explore concepts connecting food, education, and children and consider the potential of food as a rich medium that can spark inquiry and learning across the curriculum. We’ll dive into the four foundations of “How Does Learning Happen?” - Belonging, Well-being, Engagement and Expression, and discover how food can be used to support each of these important ways of being.  Participants will learn ideas, strategies, and activities for creating engaging, meaningful, and inclusive programming.

This workshop will include opportunities for hands-on exploration, questions, reflection, and exchange of ideas between participants.

Audience: Educators and others who work with young children and families in any early years, community or educational setting.

Duration: This workshop may be offered in a variety of formats to best meet the needs of the host organization. It can be offered in-person or virtually, as a single event or a multi-part series. Typical workshop sessions are 90 minutes.

Participants will:

  • Consider the assumptions and judgements they hold about food and how children will interact with it.

  • Reflect on their own relationship with food and eating by considering their language and behaviours in different situations.

  •  Discover the many dimensions of food beyond providing nutrition.

  • Discuss how to move from a place of judgement to curiosity; to consider food from a child’s perspective.

  • Learn strategies and ideas for using food to foster Belonging, Well-being, Engagement and Expression for children and families.

  • Explore the importance of an inclusive and equity-based approach to communication and programming around food.

  • Build practical strategies, tips, and simple techniques for creating meaningful, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences through food.  


Workshop 4: Food Talk
From “Healthy Eating” to an Inclusive and Equity-Based Approach

Words have power. The words we use when talking about food and eating can help children feel relaxed and comfortable; open to trying new foods and eating a wide variety. Words can also cause harm. Feelings of shame and frustration around food may lead to negative associations and struggles at mealtimes. This workshop will invite participants to consider the language they use when talking about food with children at meals and other times. We’ll explore the connection between language choices and different outcomes for children, educators, and family members. We’ll learn the concept of food neutrality and discuss how language can support us in creating happier mealtimes, connections, and more equitable and inclusive environments. Participants will learn how their words and interactions can support children in cultivating a lifelong positive relationship with food.

This workshop will include opportunities for dialogue, questions, reflection, and exchange of ideas between participants.

Audience: Educators and others who work with young children and families in any early years, community or educational setting.

Duration: This workshop may be offered in a variety of formats to best meet the needs of the host organization. It can be offered in-person or virtually. Typical workshop sessions are 90 minutes.

Participants will:

  • Reflect on their assumptions and their own relationship with food and eating by considering the language and words they typically use in different situations.

  • Learn how different words and phrases they use when talking about food may be received, and how these may result in unintended outcomes with children and families.

  • Explore the importance of an inclusive and equity-based approach to language and communication around food and eating.

  • Reflect on the concept of “healthy eating” and explore ways of reframing it to promote physical and mental health without causing harm.

  • Develop strategies and examples of language they feel comfortable using when talking about food and eating, to support the development of positive relationships and an inclusive environment.