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 help prepare a healthy snack.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will complete the third of four squash tasting experiences.
  2. Children will prepare a healthy snack.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior for children.

Teaching Tips

  • Please do not include cheese. Add extra vegetables as is customary, but keep in mind that the goal is for children to taste squash. .
  • Encourage each child to take one bite of calabacitas.
  • Remember that the more times children are exposed to a new food the more likely they are to develop a taste preference for it.
  • Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials illustration

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

Making the calabacitas will work well in one large group.

Remind children that anytime chefs make food, they wash their hands; and great chefs always taste the food that they make.

Words to Use

Activity Description

Prepare the following recipe with the children in your classroom. Ask the children to assist when possible.

  1. With the children in your classroom, wash the zucchini or calabacitas.
  2. At a later time, without the assistance of the children in your classroom, peel and dice the zucchini or calabacitas into pieces no larger than ½ inch.
  3. Heat olive oil in pan over medium heat and add diced zucchini or calabacitas.
  4. Add (optional) onion and cook until tender.
  5. Add corn.
  6. (optional) Add green chile and diced tomatoes.
  7. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes.
  8. Provide each child with a small sample of calabacitas.
  9. Encourage each child to take one bite of calabacitas.

Summary

Enrichment

Invite an elder or other member of the community to come to your classroom and share the story of “The Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash).

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.