Lesson
Teach kids about healthy snack options and help them categorize snacks into Eat More/Green Light, Eat Some/Yellow Light, Eat Less/Red Light choices.
Introduce students to the idea that food is fuel for their bodies. “Food” refers to both what you eat and what you drink. The lessons in this unit use a stoplight as a tool to help students think about their food choices. Green-light foods are to be eaten more often than yellow-light or red-light foods:
It's important that kids understand that foods are not good or bad; however, there are foods that you want to eat more often for good health. For more information and about the nutritional benefits of foods and different food groups, read Food is Fuel.
Have kids turn and talk about their most recent snack or favorite snack. Discuss things that influence snack choices such as mood, energy, place, time, family traditions, etc.
Optional: Record snack choices to categorize after the lesson.
To use this with your students click here.
Teach Kids to Identify Healthy Snack Choices
Students view the slideshow and classify snack choices as Eat More/Green Light, Eat Some/Yellow Light, Eat Less/Red Light.
Learn About Healthy Snack Options
When making a snack choice, remember the best snacks have a short ingredient list, like fruit, vegetables, water, and milk!
Check for understanding: Which green-light snack choices are your favorites?
Have Kids Make Healthy Snack Choices
Students identify Eat More/Green Light, Eat Some/Yellow Light, Eat Less/Red Light choices, then use the Snack Choices printable to plan after school snacks.
Use the Eat More, Eat Some, Eat Less Food Chart to help create the snack plan.
Today we identified healthy snack options and categorized them into green light, yellow light, and red light choices. Next we will learn about healthy meal options.
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
Making your own salsa is a fun way to practice cooking as a family. Check out this zesty Tropical Fruit Salsa to spice up your picnics or parties!
Get PrintableKids learn to pay attention to their energy level and mood, then do a fit-check to identify choices they can make.
Get PrintableDo you know which foods are healthy snack choices? Test your knowledge by watching this video!
Watch VideoAre you looking for a fun and healthy snack to help incorporate fruit into your child’s diet? Here is a great recipe to prepare with your child when you are craving a naturally sweet treat!
Get PrintableThese sheets show the different aspects of kidney function. Use them as-is or with the kidney science lesson.
Get PrintableIn this edition of the Sanford fitSports video series we'll see how adequate hydration, proper mechanics, and body movements are influential when passing the volleyball. To learn more about hydration in young athletes, check out the article: How Important is Hydration?.
Watch Video