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

Making Berry Smoothies is a hands-on cooking activity that works well in small groups at tables. Students will work together to layer berries, yogurt, and milk into a blender (with adult supervision), creating a refreshing and nutrient-rich drink that’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of blueberries in a fun and interactive way.
  2. Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through scooping, pouring, and stirring.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by participating alongside the children.
  2. Teachers will guide children in safe food handling and preparation practices.

Teaching Tips

  • 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

blender, spoon and tasting cups

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Place the blender on a flat, stable surface away from the edges of the table or counter. * (For safety, the blender should only be operated by an adult. Children may help add ingredients with adult supervision, but an adult must handle the blending process.)
  • Ensure all cooking tools, such as mixing bowl(s) and blender, are ready for use.
  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

Activity Description

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Invite the children to help you add the ingredients to the blender. Add ½ cup of yogurt, 1 cup of blueberries or mixed berries, and about 1 cup of milk.
  2. Blend the ingredients: *Adults Only.
    • Blend until everything is smooth and the berries are fully mixed in.
    • Children may help add ingredients with adult supervision, but an adult must handle the blending process.
  3. Serve, Taste, & Discuss:
    • Serve each student a portion. Invite them to observe, smell, and feel the food. Let them decide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections.
    • Invite the children to try the snack in two ways: Using a spoon or drinking.
    • Ask them:
      • "What does the smoothie taste like to you?"
      • "How are blueberries like other fruits you've tried? How are they different?"
      • "What color is the smoothie? Why do you think it turned that color?"

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other fruits can we use for a fruit smoothie? Could we use strawberries, bananas, or raspberries instead of blueberries?”

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.