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Balanced Bites: Healthy Eating for 2nd Graders

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Lesson Plan

Balanced Bites: Healthy Eating for 2nd Graders

Understanding healthy eating habits

Students will learn about the importance of healthy eating and how to make balanced food choices. The lesson includes a lively discussion, interactive activity, and a food diary assignment to reinforce concepts. This lesson is crucial for instilling lifelong healthy habits early on.

Audience

Grade 2

Time

30 mins

Approach

Understanding healthy eating habits

Materials

Markers, Whiteboard, Food Diary Sheets, MyPlate Printable, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what students had for breakfast.
  • Ask students if they know why healthy eating is important.
  • Introduce the concept of balanced food choices using the MyPlate diagram (Printable).

Step 2

Interactive Activity

10 mins

  • Show the MyPlate diagram and explain the different food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
  • Hand out markers and MyPlate printables to each student.
  • Ask students to draw or write examples of foods in each category on their MyPlate diagrams.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

  • Use the Discussion Questions attachment for prompting:
    1. Why is it good to eat a variety of foods?
    2. How can we make healthy choices when eating snacks?
    3. What are some of your favorite healthy foods?
  • Encourage students to share their ideas and listen to others.

Step 4

Food Diary Assignment

5 mins

  • Hand out the Food Diary assignment sheet.
  • Explain to students that they will track everything they eat in one day and categorize each item into the MyPlate sections.
  • Ask students to bring their completed food diaries to the next class for discussion.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the main points about healthy eating and making balanced food choices.
  • Praise students for their participation and remind them to complete their food diaries.
  • End with a positive note encouraging them to keep making healthy food choices.
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Discussion

Healthy Eating Discussion Questions

A set of guided questions to lead a class discussion on healthy eating habits.

Why is it good to eat a variety of foods?

Discuss the benefits of getting different nutrients from various foods.







How can we make healthy choices when eating snacks?

Talk about the importance of choosing fruits, vegetables, or whole grains over sugary snacks.







What are some of your favorite healthy foods?

Encourage students to share their favorites and explain why they like them.







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lenny

Worksheet

Food Diary Assignment

A simple worksheet where students can track their daily food intake and categorize it according to the MyPlate diagram.

Write down everything you eat and drink in one day.

Include all meals and snacks.







Categorize each item into the MyPlate sections: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy.

Refer to the MyPlate printable for guidance.







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lenny

Worksheet

MyPlate Printable

A useful visual aid to help students understand the different food groups and how to balance their meals.




MyPlate Diagram: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy




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lenny