Teaching children to eat healthy foods is an essential part of their overall education. Many aspects of health and wellness are based on the foods that children eat on a daily basis. The Food Guide Pyramid is a government created visual aid that will guide you when teaching children what foods to eat, how much food to eat and what foods to restrict from their diets. Lynn R. Marotz notes in her book, "Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child," that engaging and entertaining lesson plans are an important part of ensuring that children adopt healthy eating habits.
Step 1
Start with an introduction. Show students a copy of the food guide pyramid. Tell them what each color means, describe foods that belong in that food group and talk about how much of each food should be included in a healthy diet.
Step 2
Include a whole group activity. Prepare a large and blank food pyramid on the board or a big piece of paper. Show students pictures of different foods and ask them what food group they would each belong to. Tape them to their corresponding spot on the pyramid.
Step 3
Instruct children how to complete an individual activity. Pass out blank copies of the food guide pyramid, making sure that there is one for each child. Provide magazines, scissors and glue and encourage students to find as many food pictures in the magazines as possible and glue them to the appropriate spot on their pyramid.
Step 4
End the lesson with a whole group discussion. Choose a few students to share their pyramids and describe what foods go in what food groups. End the discussion by having students look at their pyramids to discover that they do not include foods like cookies, candy, cake and soda, to reemphasize the importance of healthy eating.
Tips and Warnings
- Hang the completed food guide pyramids in the school lunchroom to help students remember what foods are nutritious and to encourage healthier eating habits. Laminate the food pyramids and send them home with students to use as place mats. The place mats may help them remember what foods they should eat often and what foods are considered treats. Review the food pyramid often, suggests Shirley Ann Holt, author of "On the Move: Lesson Plans to Accompany Children Moving," because it will reinforce health and wellness concepts. Use picture books to extend your lesson. Search your school or local library for nutrition books or books that include pictures of nutritious foods.
Things You'll Need
- Copies of food pyramid
- Pencils
- Paper
- Magazines
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pictures of different foods
References
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child;" Lynn R. Marotz; 2008
- "On the Move: Lesson Plans to Accompany Children Moving;" Shirley Ann Holt; 2000
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