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 taste test cucumbers.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the second of four cucumber tasting experiences.
  2. Children will describe how cucumber looks and if they like the way cucumber smells and tastes.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • Some children may not want to try even small samples of cucumber. Encourage each child in your classroom to try at least one.
  • The more times children are exposed to new foods the more likely they are to like the new food.
  • Children are more likely to try a new food if you model the behavior!

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

Before the Lesson

  • Prepare samples of sliced cucumber for each child.

Activity

Introduction

This activity will work well at tables in small groups. Each table should have one plate with samples of cucumber.

Words to Use

Activity Description

  1. Gather the children in small groups at their tables after they have washed their hands.
  2. Ask the children what food is in the middle of the table. Remind the children of when they were food detectives. Ask the children to describe how the cucumber looks.
  3. Instruct each child to take a sample of cucumber.
  4. After every child has a sample, ask the children to smell the cucumber. Ask the children how the cucumber smells.
  5. Encourage each child to take at least one bite of cucumber.
  6. After everyone has smelled and tasted the sample, ask the class if they liked it.

Summary

Enrichment

Count and clap the syllables in the word cu-cum-ber.

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.