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 blueberries.
Learning Objectives
Children will describe the appearance, smell,
and taste of fresh and frozen blueberries.
Teaching Objectives
Teachers will model healthy eating behavior
for 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
Equipment Required
Materials/Supplies
* Optional
Before the Lesson
Prepare tasting samples of both varieties of blueberry for each child.
Allow frozen blueberries to thaw partially.
Wash the items to ensure they are clean and safe for tasting.
Ensure all berries are cut in half, resulting in 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 two
plates: one plate with samples of frozen blueberries and one plate with samples of
fresh blueberries.
Words to Use
Activity Description
Gather the children in small groups at their tables after washing their hands.
Ask the children if they recognize the food. Remind them of when they tried
blueberries as food detectives. Tell the children there are two types of
blueberries: fresh and frozen.
Instruct each child to pick up a sample of the fresh blueberry.
Ask the children to smell the fresh blueberries and ask, “What do fresh
blueberries smell like?”
Encourage the children to taste the sample, but let them decide whether to taste
it and share their thoughts or personal connections.
Ask the children to describe the sample they tasted.
Repeat the process with the frozen blueberry.
Encourage the children to compare blueberries to other foods they have tried.
How do blueberries look, smell, or taste different? What’s the difference
between fresh and frozen blueberries?
Summary
Enrichment
"Did you know that blueberries grow on bushes here in the United States and beyond?"
Blue foods like blueberries also have something called antioxidants that help our
bodies fight off germs and stay healthy. What do you think would happen if you ate a
magic blueberry— what superpower would it 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.
