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 spinach looks like under a magnifying glass. Children will also share if they like how spinach feels, smells, and tastes.
Learning Objectives
Children will complete the first of four spinach tasting experiences.
Children will describe what a spinach
looks like under a magnifying glass.
Teaching Objectives
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
Equipment Required
Materials/Supplies
* Optional
Before the Lesson
Select a handful of spinach leaves for children to closely examine with magnifying glasses. Prepare samples of spi
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
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.
Pass a few spinach leaves around the circle and encourage each child to touch the spinach and look at the spinach with their own magnifying glass.
Ask the children what spinach looks like and if they like the way spinach feels on their hands.
Ask the children to wash their hands and go to their tables.
At the tables, provide each child with a sample of spinach. Encourage children to smell
the spinach before tasting it.
Summary
Enrichment
Ask each child to count the number of spinach leaves in their sample.
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.
