Target Age Group:
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) Grade Level: Pre-K
Goals:
By the end of this unit study, preschoolers will be able to:
- Identify and name different types of foods and food groups.
- Understand the importance of healthy eating and balanced meals.
- Recognize where different foods come from.
- Develop fine motor skills through arts and crafts activities related to food.
- Gain a basic understanding of nutrition and food-related concepts.
Schedule: 5-Day Plan
Day 1: Introduction to Food
- Introduce different types of foods: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy, etc.
- Discuss the importance of eating a variety of foods.
- Read books about different types of food.
- Arts and Crafts: Create a food group chart.
Day 2: Healthy Eating
- Focus on the concept of healthy eating and balanced meals.
- Learn about the benefits of different food groups.
- Read books about healthy eating.
- Arts and Crafts: Create a healthy plate collage.
Day 3: Where Does Food Come From?
- Explore where different foods come from (plants, animals, etc.).
- Discuss the concept of farming and food production.
- Read books about where food comes from.
- Arts and Crafts: Create a farm scene.
Day 4: Cooking and Food Preparation
- Discover the process of cooking and preparing food.
- Engage in simple food preparation activities (e.g., making a sandwich).
- Read books about cooking and food preparation.
- Arts and Crafts: Create a playdough meal.
Day 5: Exploring Tastes and Textures
- Explore different tastes and textures of food (sweet, salty, crunchy, soft, etc.).
- Engage in a sensory food tasting activity.
- Read books about exploring food tastes.
- Arts and Crafts: Create a textured food artwork.
Resource List:
Books:
- “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert – Amazon Link
- “Growing Vegetable Soup” by Lois Ehlert – Amazon Link
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle – Amazon Link
Videos:
- “The Food Song (Clip) + More Super Simple Songs” by Super Simple Songs – YouTube Link
- “The Healthy Food Song” by Pancake Manor – YouTube Link
- “Where Does Food Come From?” by Kids Learning Tube – YouTube Link
Arts and Crafts:
- Food Group Chart – Create a chart with pictures of different food groups.
- Healthy Plate Collage – Create a collage of a balanced meal on a paper plate.
- Farm Scene – Create a diorama or artwork depicting a farm and food sources.
- Playdough Meal – Use playdough to sculpt different types of food.
- Textured Food Artwork – Use textured materials (paper, fabric) to create a food-themed collage.
Adapt and customize the activities based on the interests and abilities of the preschoolers in your unit study. Have a delicious and educational time exploring the world of food with your young learners!