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 a bell pepper looks like under a magnifying glass. Children will also share if they like how a bell pepper feels, smells and tastes.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the first of four bell pepper tasting experiences.
  2. Children will describe what a bell pepper 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 are more likely to eat a yellow bell pepper if their teacher is eating a yellow bell pepper!
  • 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 one whole bell pepper for children to closely examine with magnifying glasses. Prepare samples of bell pepper for the 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 bell pepper around the circle and encourage each child to touch the bell pepper and look at the bell pepper with his or her own magnifying glass.
  3. Ask the children what bell pepper looks like and if they liked the way bell pepper 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 bell pepper. Encourage children to smell the bell pepper before tasting it.

Summary

Enrichment

Cut a bell pepper in half and, with the children in your classroom, count aloud the number of seeds.

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.