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 Rosemary Roasted Carrot Sticks is a hands-on cooking activity that works well at tables in small groups. It helps children explore the natural sweetness of carrots enhanced by olive oil and rosemary. Roasting carrots brings out their natural sugars, making them a tasty and nutritious snack or side dish.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of roasted carrots in a fun and interactive way.
  2. Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through mixing, dipping, and pouring.

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

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Preheat oven to 400°F *(For safety, this step must be handled by an adult only and away from children).
  • Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into 3-inch sticks no wider than ½ inch
  • Ensure all cooking tools, such as mixing bowls and forks, 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:
    • In a mixing bowl, invite the children to help add the following ingredients one at a time:
      • Invite the children to help place the carrot sticks into a large mixing bowl. Talk about the carrots' bright orange color and shape.*
  2. Season the carrots:
    • Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle in the chopped rosemary. Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper if you'd like.
    • Show how to gently toss the carrots using clean hands to make sure they're all coated.
  3. Arrange on the baking sheet:
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Help the children spread the carrots outin a single layer.
  4. Cook the carrots: *Adults only
    • At a later time and without the assistance ofyour class, place the tray in a preheated ovenat 400°F. Roast the carrots for 25-30 minutesor until they're soft and golden around theedges.
  5. Serve, taste & discuss:
    • Allow the carrots to cool slightly. 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.
  6. Ask them:
    • “What do the carrots taste like?”
    • “Are they sweet?”
    • “Do you like the rosemary flavor?”

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other herbs or spices can we use for roasted carrots?”
“Could we use thyme, garlic powder, or cinnamon instead of rosemary?”

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.