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 help prepare a healthy snack.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the third of four bell pepper tasting experiences.
  2. Children will prepare a healthy snack.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • Encourage each child to take one bite of bell pepper.
  • Remember that the more times children are exposed to a new food the more likely they are to develop a taste preference for that food.
  • Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Prior to the lesson, wash, peel, seed, and finely chop cucumber.
  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

Preparing the bell peppers and dip will work well in one large group.

Remind children that anytime chefs make food, they wash their hands; and, great chefs always taste the food that they make.

Words to Use

Activity Description

Prepare the bell pepper snack with the children in your classroom. Ask the children to assist when possible.

  1. Wash the bell peppers well.
  2. With a knife, cut off the stem and bottom end of each bell pepper.
  3. Set each bell pepper on one end, and make one vertical slice through each bell pepper.
  4. Remove the rib and seeds from the inside of each bell pepper.
  5. Cut each bell pepper into thin strips and chop into pieces no larger than ½ inch for dipping.
  6. Combine the fat free yogurt, cucumber, light sour cream, and optional mint or dill. Blend well.
  7. Season with pepper as needed.
  8. Encourage each child to take at least one bite of bell pepper. Provide the dip that the children helped to make.

Summary

Enrichment

Encourage children to expand their vocabulary by talking about and showing pictures of different types of peppers.

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.