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 celery stalks and celery leaves.
Learning Objectives
Children will describe the appearance, smell,
and taste of celery stalks and celery leaves.
Teaching Objectives
Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by
participating alongside the 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 celery stalks and celery leaves for each child.
Wash the items to ensure they are clean and safe for tasting.
Snap the stalks to remove the strings, making them easier to chew.
Cut the celery into 3-inch sticks no wider than ½ inch.
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 celery stalks and one plate with samples of celery
leaves.
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 celery
as food detectives. Tell the children there are two parts of celery: stalk and
leaves.
Instruct each child to pick up a sample of the celery stalk.
Ask the children to smell the celery stalk and ask, “What does a celery stalk
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 celery leaves.
Encourage the children to compare celery to other foods they have tried. How
does celery look, smell, or taste different? What’s the difference between
celery stalks and celery leaves?
Summary
Enrichment
"Did you know celery is mostly water, which helps keep your body hydrated? It also
has something called fiber that keeps your tummy happy and strong. Can you imagine
if celery gave you a superpower—maybe to grow as tall as a celery stalk or to stay
cool on a hot day?"
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.
