Unit Study: Kindergarten Food Adventures

Age and Grade Requirements

• Age: 5-6 years old
• Grade: Kindergarten

Goals

By the end of this unit study, students will be able to:

1. Identify and name various types of foods and their categories.
2. Understand the importance of a balanced and healthy diet.
3. Develop basic cooking skills and food preparation techniques.
4. Enhance creativity through food-themed arts and crafts activities.
5. Gain exposure to basic concepts of nutrition, culture, and sustainability related to food.

Schedule (5 Days)

Day 1: Introduction to Food

• Introduction to the concept of food and its role in our lives
• Identify and discuss different food categories (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains)
• Arts and crafts: Create a “Food Collage” using pictures from magazines

Day 2: Healthy Eating and MyPlate

• Focus on healthy eating: Discuss the importance of eating a variety of foods
• Introduce MyPlate as a visual guide to a balanced diet
• Cooking activity: Prepare a “MyPlate Salad” using various food groups

Day 3: Exploring Fruits and Vegetables

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Discuss their benefits and colors
• Learn about different types of fruits and vegetables and their nutrients
• Arts and crafts: Create a “Fruit and Vegetable Rainbow” art project

Day 4: Cooking and Kitchen Safety

• Introduce basic cooking skills: Discuss kitchen safety and utensils
• Engage in a simple cooking activity, such as making no-bake energy bites
• Reading a related storybook

Day 5: Food from Around the World and Culmination

• Explore foods from different cultures and regions around the world
• Geography component: Identify countries known for their unique cuisines
• Culmination activity: Create a “Global Food Tasting” event with a variety of foods from different cultures

Recommended Books (with Amazon Links)

1. “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato” by Lauren Child Amazon Link
2. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle Amazon Link
3. “Bread and Jam for Frances” by Russell Hoban Amazon Link

Recommended Video Links

1. Super Simple Songs: “Do You Like Broccoli Ice Cream?” YouTube Link
2. Sesame Street: “Healthy Foods Song” YouTube Link
3. Kidz Bop: “Uptown Funk” (Healthy Food Parody) YouTube Link

Arts and Crafts Activity

Create a “Fruit and Vegetable Rainbow”: Provide colored paper and craft materials for students to create a rainbow using pictures of fruits and vegetables.

Cooking Activity

“MyPlate Salad”: Prepare a salad using ingredients from different food groups, allowing students to create their own balanced meal.

Culmination Activity

Host a “Global Food Tasting” event in the classroom, where students can sample and learn about foods from various cultures.

Bible Connection

Discuss biblical references to food, such as the story of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:13-21) or the concept of God providing manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), exploring the spiritual lessons and symbolism associated with food in different contexts.