Healthy Eating Habits

Catherine Cooper

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Healthy Eating Habits

Understand the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet

Students will learn the basics of balanced diets and the importance of proper nutrition for overall health. This lesson is crucial in promoting healthy lifestyle habits from an early age, which can lead to improved physical and mental well-being.

Audience

Students with Special Needs (ages 4-21)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet

Materials

Healthy Eating Worksheet, and Nutrition Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Start with a brief discussion on food. Ask students what their favorite foods are and why they like them.
Introduce the concept of a balanced diet. Explain the different food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Proteins, Grains, and Dairy.
Highlight the importance of eating various types of foods to get different nutrients.

Step 2

Worksheet Activity

20 mins

Distribute the 'Healthy Eating Worksheet' to the students.
Guide the students through the worksheet, helping them identify and categorize different foods into their respective food groups.
Assist students in answering questions about why each food group is important for the body.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Use the 'Nutrition Discussion Guide' to facilitate a conversation about healthy eating habits.
Encourage students to share what they learned from the worksheet and how they can apply it to their daily meals.
Discuss the importance of moderation and enjoying a variety of foods.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Ask students to name one new thing they learned about nutrition.
Encourage students to think of one small change they could make to eat more healthily.

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Worksheet

Healthy Eating Worksheet

This worksheet will help students identify and categorize different foods into their respective food groups.

1. List three foods that belong to the fruits group.

Examples: apples, bananas, oranges.

2. Name two vegetables you like and explain why they are good for you.

Examples: carrots, spinach.

3. What are some good sources of protein?

Examples: chicken, beans, tofu.

4. Why is it important to eat grains? Give two examples of grains.

Examples: rice, bread.

5. How does dairy help your body? Name two dairy products.

Examples: milk, cheese.

Discussion

Nutrition Discussion Guide

This guide will provide questions to facilitate a discussion about the importance of balanced diets and healthy eating habits.

Why do we need to eat a variety of foods from different food groups?

Discuss the different nutrients each food group provides and why our bodies need a mix of these nutrients.

What are some ways you can make your meals more balanced?

Encourage students to think about including different food groups in their meals.

How can unhealthy eating habits affect our health?

Talk about the potential short-term and long-term effects of poor nutrition, like feeling tired, gaining weight, or having trouble concentrating.