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 Cabbage Slaw Cups is a hands-on cooking activity that works well at tables in small groups. This simple slaw combines cabbage with apple and carrot, with the option of a light yogurt dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. Served in small cups, this snack is easy for young children to handle and enjoy.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of cabbage, apple, and carrot in a fun and interactive way.
  2. Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through mixing, stirring, and spooning ingredients into cups.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating be haviorby 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

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials illustration

Materials/Supplies

For Yogurt Dressing Option:

For Vinaigrette Option:

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Prepare the cabbage, carrot, and apple by washing and shredding or chopping them (no larger than 1/2 inch if chopped).
  • Ensure all cooking tools, such as mixing bowls and spoons, 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

Making the cabbage slaw cups will work in one large group.

“But first, what is something great chefs always do before they start cooking?” (Answer: Wash their hands!)

Activity Description

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • In a mixing bowl, guide the children to combine the shredded cabbage, carrot, and chopped apple.
  2. Choose Your Dressing:
    • Yogurt Dressing: Add 5 tbsp of plain or Greek yogurt to the slaw mixture and stir until evenly coated.
    • Vinaigrette: Mix 2½ tablespoons of olive oil with 2½ tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper ina separate bowl. Stir well, then pour over the slaw and toss gently to combine.
  3. Serve in Cups:
    • Spoon the slaw into small cups, creating a fun and easy-to-hold portion for each child.
  4. Serve, Taste, & Discuss:
    • Serve each student their cup. Invite them to observe, smell, and feel the food.
    • Invite children to taste both the yogurt dressing and the vinaigrette. Let them decide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections. Talk about how the flavors are different—creamy versus tangy.
    • Highlight the natural sweetness of the apple and how it complements the crunch of the cabbage and carrot.

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other vegetables or fruits can we use for our Cabbage Slaw Cups? Could we use romaine lettuce, pears, or jicama instead of cabbage or apples?”

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.

Evaluation

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s evaluation form for this lesson.