I Can Eat Green

LESSON 5

Children explore a variety of green fruits and vegetables using their 5 senses, then create a collage using green painted paper.

Prepare a variety of green fruits and vegetables to observe and taste (e.g. artichokes, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, green beans, green grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi, leafy greens, limes, pears, peas, zucchini).
Plates
Paper or chalkboard to record child’s observations and comments.
Cardstock paper
The green painted paper from lesson one.

Facilitate the exploration of green foods.
Guide children in using their green to describe the characteristics of green foods.
Assist children in cutting out green fruits and vegetables.
Lead a discussion about the health benefits of eating green fruits and vegetables.
Provide guidance and supervision during the preparation of a snack or meal using green foods.

Children identify different types of green fruits and vegetables.
Children explore green foods using their senses of touch, smell, and taste.
Children describe the texture, flavor, and aroma of each green food.
Children participate in cutting out green fruits and vegetables and glue them onto paper.
Children learn about the health benefits of eating green fruits and vegetables.

Collect and Connect

Use the "A Rainbow Is..." outline to create a poem together. Write it down and practice saying it.

A Rainbow Is…

A rainbow is as red as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is red)

A rainbow is as orange as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is orange)

A rainbow is as yellow as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is yellow)

A rainbow is as green as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is green)

A rainbow is as blue as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is blue)

A rainbow is as indigo as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is indigo)

A rainbow is as violet as (choose a fruit or vegetable that is violet)

Begin by displaying the prepared fruits and vegetables and ask them to name the different types of green foods they see.
Invite the children to explore the green foods by touching, smelling, and tasting them. Encourage the children to use their senses to describe the texture, flavor, and aroma of each food. Write down the words they use to describe each fruit and vegetable they try.
Ask your child to share what foods were their favorite and why, as well as their least favorites and why.
Next, cut out green fruits and vegetables from the green painted paper created in lesson one, and glue them onto a piece of cardstock paper. If your child isn't able to cut yet, you can do the cutting, and they can assist in gluing the shapes onto the paper.
While you are cutting and gluing, discuss the health benefits of eating green fruits and vegetables.

Help you grow strong! Green fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help you grow strong and healthy.
Keep you healthy! Eating green fruits and vegetables can help you stay healthy by supporting their immune system. Green veggies like brussel sprouts and kale contain vitamins and antioxidants to help fight off germs and keep you from getting sick.
Give you energy! Green fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which can help you feel full and give you the energy you need to play and learn. Eating green veggies like cucumbers and celery can help you feel energized throughout the day.
Keep your tummy happy! Green fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which helps keep your digestive system working properly.
Make your heart healthy! Eating green fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure and keep your heart working properly.

6. Write down the words they used to describe the fruit or vegetable next to it or on the back of the paper.

Extension activity: Prepare a snack using green fruits or vegetables with your child. Here is a link with recipes and ideas.