Food Safety Resources Reviews

General Information

It is a colorful and well-illustrated book for encouraging handwashing and leadership written in both English and Spanish. There are numerous activities listed in the Parent/Teacher Guide, and the material also recognizes that some bacteria may be beneficial.

The use of SOPE (TM) in the book seems unusual. Although the material is listed for elementary/middle school students, the material seems better for the elementary level. The use of the audio CD was frustrating from an operational standpoint; an audio-visual version of the CD would have been better.

The author and illustrator have created an entertaining book. If not placed in the classroom, this book should be considered for the library. It is certainly worth a preview to see if it meets the parent or teacher needs. The bilingual format will be a plus to some.

While the product placement in this curriculum is unfortunate, it still manages to convey the information intended. A re-configured CD-ROM would make it more valuable to everyone.

Recommended

Purpose:

Purpose of resource is clearly stated in title or introduction

 Yes

If not, please explain:

Organization:

Resource is well-organized and major points are presented clearly. Resource does not assume that reader has background information.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Accuracy:

Information, technical or otherwise, is accurate and recommendations are current.

No

If not, please give specific examples:

There were inconsistent times provided for handwashing (e.g., 10-15 seconds in one place and 17 seconds in another).

Consistency with Current Food Code

The latest version of the Food Code is used and the information is consistent with that code.

No

If not, please give specific examples:

Not Applicable

Learning Activities, Questions, Projects, or Interactive Learning Tools:

Resource includes a variety of stimulating and interesting learning experiences, questions, projects, or suggestions for further action that will involve the audience (e.g., an activity where the participant rates their current food safety practices).

Yes

If not, pleae give specific examples:

The book and Parent/Teacher Guide provide numerous interactive questions and activities associated with handwashing.

Special Interests:

Resource is geared toward special needs and interests of intended target audience(s).

Yes

If not, please explain:

Scope:

Scope of information is appropriate for target audience(s) and essential topics are discussed in appropriate detail.

Yes

Please explain:

This is a children's book emphasizing the importance of handwashing.

Summary:

All major ideas are summarized or reviewed to reinforce key concepts; summaries are easily identified.

No

If not, please give specific examples:

Although the book and guide emphasize handwashing, the story concludes with an emphasis on problem solving.

Objectivity/Sponsor Bias:

Subject matter is presented objectively and fairly. No brand name is mentioned or obvious sponsor bias.

No

Positive Role Models:

Positive role models are provided in text and illustrations. Role models are presented as having many roles, traits, and emotions.

Yes

If not, please explain

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Instructional Aids:

Provided

If not needed, please explain:

Availability of Aids:

If aids do not exist or are not necessary, please explain:

Instructor’s Guide:

Instructor’s guide is included with suggestions for enhancing audiovisual presentation, pre-, and post-showing. Suggestions or follow-up learning activities/discussion questions are included.

Yes

If instructor’s guide is not included, is one needed?

Yes

Please explain:

The guide provides a wide variety of activities: English/Spanish vocabulary; coloring; chart for handwashing; etc.

Instructor Resources:

Instructor resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

Yes

If instructor resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Yes

Please explain:

Student Resources:

Student resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

Yes

If student resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Yes

Please explain:

Credits, References, and Resources (including dates, publishers, etc.):

Complete credits, current references, date produced, and resources listed are up-to-date (credits may be on video package).

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Vocabulary is appropriate for intended audience(s).Resource minimizes use of technical terms and if used, they are defined.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Main ideas are clear and flow smoothly.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Writing approach is positive, personal and involves the reader. Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please explain:

Illustrations contribute to the resource and are on the same page as their text references.Tables and graphs are simple, easy-to-read, and in a form requiring no further explanation.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Illustrations contribute to the material and are on the same page as their text references.Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Resource uses a heavy weight paper and print from one side cannot be seen on the other side. Text is written in a font size greater than 11 point type, is not difficult to read, and the main body of print is not written in capital letters.

Yes

Please comment:

It is a colorful bilingual (English/Spanish) book for children.

Color, design, and layout of resource are attractive and stimulate interest without being too busy. A good balance between print and blank space is on the page.

Yes

Please comment:

It is a colorful book.

Clear headings are provided for each topic area.

Yes

If headings are not provided for each topic area, would they be helpful? Please explain:

Headings are listed in the Parent/Teacher Guide.

Quality:

Audiovisual resource is mutually supportive to the presentation of concepts.

No

If not, please explain:

The audio CD is a reading of the text in the book (English and Spanish). It is not clear how or when the author intended the CD to be used. It was frustrating trying to start the CD.

Presentation:

Presentation progresses at a pace that permits comprehension. Pacing of dialogue is appropriate for absorbing concepts presented. Blank time is provided.

Yes

If not, please explain:

Auditory Quality:

Speaker, voice, and music are clear; sound is audible and has good quality.

Yes

If not, please explain:

Visual Quality:

Visuals are clear and properly framed; graphics and titles are clearly visible; and color, lighting, and editing enhance presentation content.

No

If not, please explain:

Not applicable.

Continuity:

Continuity provides cohesiveness and smooth flow. Visuals are in a logical order and auditory portion is precisely matched with visual portion.

No

If not, please explain:

It is not clear when the audio CD would be used.