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 broccoli tasting experiences.
  2. Children will prepare a healthy snack.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • If you are unable to access a stove during the day with your class, consider steaming and “shocking” broccoli before the lesson. Have the children prepare a small amount of broccoli that will not be steamed.
  • Encourage each child to take one bite of broccoli.
  • 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, stove and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

Making the steamed broccoli 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

  1. Prepare steamed broccoli with the children in your classroom. Ask the children to assist when possible.
  2. Wash the head(s) of broccoli well.
  3. Break off the individual florets.
  4. At a later time and without the assistance of your class, place florets in a colander over a pot of boiling water and let steam.
  5. Broccoli is ready to eat when the florets turn a vibrant green color.
  6. (optional) “Shock” the broccoli by placing steamed florets in a bowl of ice water. This will prevent the florets from continuing to cook and children may enjoy “shocking” their vegetables.
  7. Encourage each child to take at least one bite of steamed broccoli.

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children to estimate how many broccoli florets can fit in a cup. Before tasting, count how many florets fit into the cup.

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.