About

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce a new food to the children in your classroom. The more times children are exposed to new foods, the more likely they are to eat and enjoy these foods in the future.

Overview

In this lesson, children will describe what an apple looks like under a magnifying glass. Children will also share if they like how apples feel, smell, and taste.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the first of four apple tasting experiences.
  2. Children will describe what a apple looks like under a magnifying glass.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • Young children are more likely to try a new food if the behavior is modeled by an adult.
  • Children may not want to try a new food. Encourage each child to take one bite.

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

Before the Lesson

  • Select an apple for children to closely examine with magnifying glasses. Prepare samples of apples for children to taste.

Activity

Introduction

This activity will work well as a circle time activity and at tables in small groups for tasting.

Words to Use

Activity Description

  1. Gather the children in a circle and explain that everybody is going to be a food detective. Remind children that a good food detective uses his or her eyes, ears, hands, and mouth to collect clues.
  2. Pass the apple around the circle and encourage each child to touch the apple and look at the apple with his or her own magnifying glass.
  3. Ask the children what the apple looks like and if they like the way the apple feels on their hands.
  4. Ask the children to wash their hands and go to their tables.
  5. At the tables, provide each child with a sample of apple. Encourage children to smell the apple before tasting it.

Summary

Enrichment

Sing “Apples and Bananas” with the children in your classroom. See the CHILE Physical Activity Curriculum for more instructions if needed.

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.

Weekly Log

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.