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 describe what a melon such as cantaloupe looks like under a magnifying glass. Children will also share if they like how a melon feels, smells, and tastes.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the first of four melon tasting experiences.
  2. Children will describe what a melon looks like under a magnifying glass.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • Young children are more likely to try a new food if the behavior is modeled by an adult.
  • Children may not want to try a new food. Encourage each child to take one bite.

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

Before the Lesson

  • Wash all cantaloupes under running water. Select one whole cantaloupe for children to closely examine with magnifying glasses. Prepare samples of cantaloupe for children to taste.

Activity

Introduction

This activity will work well as a circle time activity and at tables, in small groups, for tasting.

Words to Use

Activity Description

  1. Gather the children in a circle and explain that everybody is going to be a food detective. Remind children that a good food detective uses his or her eyes, ears, hands, and mouth to collect clues.
  2. Pass the cantaloupe around the circle and encourage each child to touch the cantaloupe and look at the cantaloupe with his or her own magnifying glass.
  3. Ask the children what cantaloupe looks like and if they liked the way cantaloupe feels on their hands.
  4. Ask the children to wash their hands and go to their tables.
  5. At the tables, provide each child with a sample of cantaloupe. Encourage children to smell the Melon before tasting it.
  6. Explain to the children that a cantaloupe is a type of melon and that there are many types of melon.

Summary

Enrichment

Expand the vocabulary of the children in your classroom by showing pictures or providing examples of different types of melon.

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.