Lesson
Teach kids to plan a nutritious meal, using the MyPlate printable.
Talk with students about the idea that food is fuel for their bodies. “Food” refers to 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:
It's important that kids understand that some foods provide you with more nutrition than others. Check out the Eat More Eat Some Eat Less Food Chart for examples. For more information about the nutritional benefits of foods and different food groups, read Food is Fuel.
Ask kids to turn and talk to a partner about their favorite meal. What makes it a favorite?
To use this with your students click here.
Think About Nutritious Meal Options
Students view the slideshow examples of mealtime choices. You may want to review red-light, green-light, and yellow-light foods to help students categorize the meal choices.
Learn About Nutritious Eating Options
Present tips for making nutritious food choices:
Check for understanding: Which nutritious foods will you choose at your next meal?
Plan Nutritious Meals
Students document which foods they will choose to put on their plate at mealtime using the MyPlate Meal and the Eat More, Eat Some, Eat Less Food Chart printables.
Today we discussed nutritious mealtime options and how to make healthy choices. What will you tell others about nutritious mealtime choices?
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
Read nutrition labels to know how much natural and added sugars are inside what we eat and drink.
Start LessonWe make choices all day long. Let’s help kids identify times during the day when they make choices and practice giving reasons why they made certain choices.
Start LessonShow kids that different foods and drinks contain different amounts of sugar.
Start LessonTeach kids that resting, having a positive mindset, eating healthy foods, and engaging in physical activity will help them make better choices.
Start LessonLook at the label to find out how much sugar is in what you drink.
Start LessonLook at the label to find out how much sugar is in what you drink.
Start Lesson