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 can taste test bananas.

Learning Objectives

  • Children will describe the appearance, smell, and taste of a banana.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by participating alongside the children.

Teaching Tips

  • Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!
  • Some children may not try the food at the first opportunity, so do not pressure them to try it as they are more likely to try it next time.

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

Before the Lesson

  • Prepare tasting samples of banana for each child.
  • Peel the bananas.
  • Ensure all food samples are cut into pieces no larger than ½ inch to prevent choking.
  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

This activity should work well in small groups at tables. Each table should have one plate with samples of banana.

Words to Use

Activity Description

  1. Gather the children in small groups at their tables after washing their hands.
  2. Ask the children if they recognize the food. Remind them of when they tried banana as food detectives.
  3. Instruct each child to pick up a sample of the banana.
  4. Ask the children to smell the banana and ask, “What does a banana smell like?”
  5. Encourage the children to taste the sample, but let them decide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections.
  6. Ask the children to describe the sample they tasted.
  7. Encourage the children to compare bananas to other foods they have tried. How does a banana look, smell, or taste different?

Summary

Enrichment

"Did you know bananas are almost 70% water? That’s why they’re soft and juicy! Bananas give you energy to run, jump, and play because they have something called natural sugar. They also help keep your muscles strong because they have potassium. Bananas give us energy so we can keep learning. If bananas were magic, what superpower do you think they would give you?"

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.