More than a simple graphic that illustrates food groups, MyPyramid for Kids includes interactive learning tools and age-appropriate lessons to engage and inspire youngsters to make healthy choices. The USDA created MyPyramid for Kids to tailor health messages specifically for children aged 6 to 11. Children learn about healthy eating and staying active in creative, engaging ways targeted to grades 1 to 2, grades 3 to 4 and grades 5 to 6.
Function
Energize and activate children to eat right and stay active by introducing the MyPyramid for Kids image and related learning tools. Engage their attention with bright colors, animated diagrams and interactive lessons that will help build healthy habits for life.
Healthy Choices
Choose healthier foods. Eat every color, every day. Brightly colored bands on the pyramid designate the orange group as grains; green group as vegetables; red group as fruits; yellow as fats and oils; blue group as milk and dairy products; and purple group as meat, beans, fish and nuts. Children learn decision-making skills to make their own food choices for healthy eating and the importance of staying active through physical activity and play.
Age-Appropriate
Illustrations, messages and games geared to different grade levels make learning about health interesting and fun while exploring the pyramid. Learn to recognize healthier foods to eat more of and those to eat less often. For example, grades 1 to 2 learn to eat smart with the food groups; grades 3 to 4 use food math to calculate how much they need to eat from each group; and grades 5 to 6 learn to read food labels to compare the nutrient content of foods in the milk group. The "stay active" and "play more" messages appeal to all age groups.
Easily Available
Elementary school-aged children can explore the pyramid on their own, while MyPyramid for Kids classroom materials available online also help children learn nutritional basics with the help of a teacher or caregiver. Interactive tools include an online game, worksheets, posters, lesson plans, songs, card games and tips for families. Fun activities, posters, games and handouts to download or request in English or Spanish will be distributed to elementary schools, child care providers and parent organizations.
Considerations
Children need to hear the same health messages at home and at school. Reinforce the key concepts by setting a good example as a parent and as a family. MyPyramid is available for a general audience and has also been tailored for other specific audiences such as preschoolers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It gives everyone in the family ideas for how to eat right and move more. MyPyramid for Kids activities can also be discussed and enjoyed as a family.
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