Teacher Script: Fueling Our Amazing Bodies!

Warm-Up: Smart Start (5 minutes)

(Display Smart Start Warm-Up prompt)

"Good morning, class! Let's kick off our lesson with a quick warm-up. On your paper or whiteboard, I want you to finish this sentence: 'When I eat healthy, I feel...' and 'When I eat unhealthy, I feel...'. Take about two minutes to jot down your thoughts. This is just for you to get your brains warmed up and thinking about food and how it makes us feel."

"Alright, who would like to share one of their thoughts? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here, just what you personally experience." (Call on 2-3 students to share briefly. Affirm all responses and connect them to the idea of energy and well-being.)

Introduction: Fueling Our Bodies (5 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Fueling Our Amazing Bodies!")

"Fantastic start, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into a super important topic: nutrition and healthy eating. Look at our lesson title: 'Fueling Our Amazing Bodies!' What does that phrase make you think of?" (Allow 1-2 students to respond.)

"Exactly! Just like a car needs the right kind of gas to run well, our bodies need the right kind of food to work their best. How does what you eat impact how you feel, think, and play? What are some things you think we'll learn about today?"

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 2: "Food Is Fuel!")

"Every amazing thing your body does – running, thinking, playing, even sleeping – needs energy. Where does this energy come from? It comes from the food you eat! Making smart food choices now helps you have energy, grow strong, and stay healthy for a long time. It's about empowering yourselves with the knowledge to make great decisions for your health!"

What Are Nutrients? (5 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 3: "What Are Nutrients?")

"So, what exactly is it in our food that gives us this energy and helps our bodies do all these amazing things? It's nutrients! Think of nutrients as the special ingredients in your food that your body uses to grow strong, stay healthy, have energy, and even repair itself. There are different types of nutrients, and each has a special job."

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 4: "The Big Three Nutrients")

"Let's talk about the 'Big Three' main nutrients. First, Carbohydrates. Can anyone tell me what they know about carbs?" (Pause for responses.) "Carbohydrates are your body's main source of quick energy! Think of foods like bread, pasta, fruits, and many vegetables. They get you going!"

"Next, Proteins. What do you think proteins are good for?" (Pause for responses.) "Proteins are the building blocks for your muscles, your skin, your hair, and so much more! Foods like meat, beans, nuts, and eggs are packed with protein."

"And finally, Fats. Sometimes fats get a bad rap, but healthy fats are super important! They provide long-term energy, help your brain work well, and help your body absorb vitamins. Foods like avocados, olive oil, and nuts have healthy fats."

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 5: "And Don't Forget...")

"Beyond the big three, we have two more crucial players: Vitamins & Minerals. These are like tiny superheroes that help your body work properly, fight off sickness, and keep all your systems running smoothly. You find them in lots of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products."

"And the absolute most important nutrient of all? Water! Can you imagine trying to run a race without drinking any water? Your body would quickly run out of steam. Water helps transport nutrients, regulate your body temperature, and keeps everything inside you running smoothly. So, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day!"

Reading & Discussion: The Power Plate (10 minutes)

(Distribute Reading: The Power Plate.)

"Now that we know about individual nutrients, let's see how they all fit together in a meal. I'm going to hand out a short reading called 'The Power Plate.' I'd like you to read this silently to yourselves, or you can work with a partner next to you to read it together. This reading will explain how to build a balanced meal using different food groups."

(After 5-7 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Alright, let's discuss 'The Power Plate.' Turn to a partner and discuss these questions from our Discussion: Food Choices Challenge for about two minutes: 'What are the main food groups mentioned in the reading?' and 'Why is it important to eat a variety of foods from these groups?'"

(After partner discussion, bring the class back for a whole-group share out.)

"What did you and your partner discuss? What are those main food groups? (Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy). And why is variety so important?" (Guide students to understand that different food groups provide different nutrients, ensuring a complete nutritional intake.)

Activity: My Super Snack Creator (15 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 6: "What's a Balanced Meal?")

"Great job with the reading and discussion! Now, let's put our knowledge to the test. A balanced meal includes a variety of foods that give your body all the nutrients it needs. The reading introduced the idea of a 'Power Plate.'"

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Activity: My Super Snack Creator")

"We're going to do an activity called Activity: My Super Snack Creator! Your challenge is to design your own 'Super Snack' using what we've learned about nutrients and food groups. Think about what nutrients your snack provides and why it's a healthy choice. You can draw it, list the ingredients, and explain why it's super. I'll give you about 10 minutes for this. Be creative!"

(Circulate around the room, offering guidance and prompting students to consider nutrient balance. After 10 minutes, ask a few students to share their Super Snack creations and explanations.)

Worksheet: Nutrient Navigator (5 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 8: "Worksheet: Nutrient Navigator")

"Excellent Super Snacks, everyone! To solidify our understanding of nutrients and their roles, we're going to complete a short Worksheet: Nutrient Navigator. This worksheet will ask you to match each nutrient with its important job in your body. This will help you remember how each nutrient helps you be your best! Work quietly and independently on this. You have about 5 minutes." (Distribute the worksheet and provide support as needed. Collect when done.)

Game: Food Group Frenzy! (5 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 9: "Game Time: Food Group Frenzy!")

"Alright, let's get a little active and have some fun while reviewing! We're going to play a game called Game: Food Group Frenzy!. I'm going to call out a food item, and I want you to quickly move to the area of the room that represents its main food group. For example, if I say 'apple,' you'd go to the 'Fruit' area. Ready? Let's go!"

(Lead the game for about 3-4 minutes, calling out various food items and ensuring students are moving to the correct designated areas for Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy.)

Cool Down: My Healthy Goal (5 minutes)

(Display Fueling Our Amazing Bodies! Slide Deck - Slide 10: "Cool Down: My Healthy Goal")

"Great energy for the game, everyone! To wrap up our lesson today, I want each of you to think about one small, healthy eating goal you can try to achieve this week. It could be something simple like, 'I will try to drink more water each day,' or 'I will add a fruit to my breakfast.' Write down your goal on your Cool Down: My Healthy Goal sheet. This is your personal commitment to a healthier you. I'll collect these as you leave."

"Thank you for an engaging lesson today, class! Remember to keep fueling those amazing bodies!"

Smart Start Warm-Up

Instructions: Complete the sentences below with your honest thoughts.

1. When I eat healthy foods, I feel...
   
   
   
   

2. When I eat unhealthy foods, I feel...
   
   
   
   

The Power Plate: Fueling Your Body Right!

Have you ever wondered why some foods make you feel energized and ready to play, while others leave you feeling sluggish? It all comes down to nutrition – how your body uses the food you eat to grow, stay healthy, and have energy!

Think of your body like a super cool machine. Just like a car needs different parts and types of fuel to run, your body needs different things from your food. These important things are called nutrients.

The Super Six Nutrients

There are six main types of nutrients your body needs every day:

1. Carbohydrates: These are your body's main source of quick energy! Think of them as the speedy fuel. You can find healthy carbohydrates in foods like whole-grain bread, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Proteins: These are the building blocks for your body. They help you grow, build muscles, and repair tissues. Meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and dairy products are great sources of protein.

3. Fats: Don't be afraid of all fats! Healthy fats are super important for long-term energy, brain health, and helping your body absorb vitamins. Look for healthy fats in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

4. Vitamins: These are like tiny helpers that make sure your body works correctly. They help you see in the dark, heal cuts, and stay strong. You get vitamins from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and some dairy products.

5. Minerals: Similar to vitamins, minerals are essential for many body functions. Calcium helps build strong bones, and iron helps your blood carry oxygen. You can find minerals in milk, leafy greens, and whole grains.

6. Water: This is the most important nutrient of all! Your body is mostly water, and it needs water to transport nutrients, regulate your temperature, and keep everything working smoothly. Always keep a water bottle handy!

Building Your Power Plate

To make sure your body gets all these important nutrients, it's best to eat a variety of foods from different food groups. Imagine your plate is a Power Plate! Here's how to fill it up for a super meal:

• Fruits & Vegetables: Fill half your plate with these! They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep you healthy and energized. Think colorful berries, crunchy carrots, leafy spinach, and juicy apples.

• Grains: A quarter of your plate should be grains, especially whole grains. These provide carbohydrates for energy. Choose whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain pasta.

• Proteins: The other quarter of your plate can be protein. This helps build and repair your body. Lean meats, fish, chicken, beans, lentils, and tofu are excellent choices.

• Dairy: Don't forget a serving of dairy or a calcium-rich alternative! Milk, yogurt, and cheese help build strong bones. If you don't eat dairy, look for fortified plant-based milks.

Eating from all these groups helps your body get the balanced nutrition it needs to be its absolute best! So, next time you're about to eat, think about your Power Plate!"

My Super Snack Creator!

Challenge: You are a healthy snack designer! Using what you've learned about nutrients and food groups, create your very own "Super Snack"! Your snack should be balanced and provide good energy for your body.

Follow these steps:

1. Name Your Snack: Give your super snack a fun and creative name!

2. Draw Your Snack: In the space below, draw your amazing Super Snack. Be colorful and detailed!

3. List Ingredients: Write down all the ingredients you would use to make your snack.

4. Explain Your Choices: Tell us why your snack is a healthy choice. Which nutrients does it provide? Which food groups are represented? How will it help fuel your amazing body?

My Super Snack Name:

My Super Snack Drawing:

Ingredients:

Why my snack is SUPER (Nutrients & Food Groups):

Food Choices Challenge: Discussion Prompts

Let's talk about what we've learned! Discuss the following questions with your partner or small group, and be ready to share your thoughts with the class.

1. What are the main food groups mentioned in "Reading: The Power Plate"? Can you name at least three examples of foods from each group?
   
   
   
   

2. Why is it important to eat a variety of foods from these different groups? What happens if you only eat foods from one or two groups?
   
   
   
   

3. Think about your favorite meal. How many different food groups are represented in that meal? How could you make it even more balanced, if needed?
   
   
   
   

4. Imagine you're helping to plan dinner tonight. Based on what we've discussed about the "Power Plate," what kinds of foods would you suggest to make it a healthy and balanced meal for your family?
   
   
   
   

Nutrient Navigator: Match the Job!

Instructions: Read each nutrient on the left and match it to its main job or function on the right. Draw a line to connect them, or write the letter of the correct job next to the nutrient.

Nutrients

1. Carbohydrates
   
   
   
2. Proteins
   
   
   
3. Fats
   
   
   
4. Vitamins & Minerals
   
   
   
5. Water
   
   
   

Main Jobs

A. Helps build and repair muscles, skin, and other body tissues.



B. Your body's main source of quick energy; like speedy fuel!



C. Essential for long-term energy, brain health, and absorbing certain vitamins.



D. Like tiny superheroes that help your body work properly and fight off sickness.



E. The most important nutrient; transports others, regulates temperature, keeps everything flowing.

Think and Apply!

6. Imagine your friend is feeling tired and sluggish. Based on what we learned today, what kind of food (and which nutrient) might help give them a quick boost of energy?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Why is it important to drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Food Group Frenzy!

Objective: To quickly review and reinforce knowledge of the main food groups in an active and fun way.

Time: 5 minutes

Materials:

• Pre-designated areas in the classroom for each of the five main food groups (Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy). You can label these with signs or just verbally assign areas.
• (Optional) Flashcards with various food items written on them.

Instructions for the Teacher:

1. Set Up: Designate five clear areas in the classroom, one for each major food group: "Fruits," "Vegetables," "Grains," "Protein," and "Dairy." Make sure there's enough space for students to move between them.

2. Explain the Rules:

   • "Class, we're going to play 'Food Group Frenzy!' I'm going to call out a food item. When I say the food, your job is to quickly and safely move to the area of the room that represents the main food group that food belongs to."
   • "For example, if I say 'Apple,' you would move to the 'Fruits' area."
   • "Try to get to the correct group as fast as you can!"

3. Start the Game: Begin calling out food items one by one. Pause after each food item to allow students to move. Observe student choices and provide immediate, gentle correction or clarification as needed.

   Example Food Items to Call Out:

   • Banana (Fruits)
   • Broccoli (Vegetables)
   • Chicken Breast (Protein)
   • Whole Wheat Bread (Grains)
   • Yogurt (Dairy)
   • Carrot (Vegetables)
   • Fish (Protein)
   • Brown Rice (Grains)
   • Orange (Fruits)
   • Cheese (Dairy)
   • Beans (Protein)
   • Oatmeal (Grains)
   • Spinach (Vegetables)
   • Milk (Dairy)
   • Egg (Protein)

4. Facilitate & Review: After each round, you can briefly ask, "Why is [Food Item] in the [Food Group] group?" or "Can anyone name another food that belongs in this group?" to deepen understanding.

5. End the Game: Conclude the game after about 3-4 minutes, or when most students are consistently getting to the correct groups. Praise their participation and quick thinking!

My Healthy Goal: Cool Down

Instructions: Think about what you learned today about fueling your amazing body. What is one small, healthy eating goal you can try to achieve this week?

Write your goal below. Be specific!

My Healthy Goal for this Week:

How will achieving this goal help me?