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 Celery Sticks with Fiesta Salsa is a hands-on cooking activity that works well in one large group. It introduces children to fresh vegetables and nutritious flavors. The crunch of celery pairs perfectly with a vibrant salsa, creating a culturally relevant snack inspired by New Mexico’s Hispanic food traditions.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of celery, corn, and tomatoes 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

  • Discuss how the crunchy celery complements the fresh and juicy salsa ingredients.
  • 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.

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Wash and cut the celery into 3-inch pieces no wider than ½ inch, creating "wagons" for the bean dip.
  • If using canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to dispose of the sharp lid safely.
  • 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 Fiesta Salsa:
    • In a mixing bowl, invite the children to help add the following ingredients one at a time:
      • Corn
      • Chopped tomatoes
      • Lime juice
      • Cilantro*
      • A small pinch of salt
      • Diced avocado or cucumber*
    • Guide the children as you stir the mixture together, talking about the bright colors and fresh smells.
  2. Prepare the Celery Sticks:
    • Place the celery sticks on plates or bowls.
    • Demonstrate how to dip the celery sticks into the salsa and taste the combination of flavors. Talk about how the crunchy celery and juicy salsa go together.
  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.

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other vegetables can we use for our Celery Sticks with Fiesta Salsa? Could we add bell peppers, cucumbers, or beans to our salsa?

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.