I Can Eat Red

LESSON 2

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

  • Prepare a variety of red fruits and vegetables to observe and taste (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, red peppers, watermelon, cherries, beets).

  • Plates

  • Paper or chalkboard to record child’s observations and comments.

  • Cardstock paper

  • The red paper you painted in lesson one.

Materials

  • Gather materials.

  • Wash and prepare food beforehand.

Preparations

  • Facilitate children's exploration of red fruits and vegetables. 

  • Guide children in using their senses to describe different red foods. 

  • Support children in creating a collage using red painted paper cutouts. 

  • Lead discussions about the health benefits of eating red fruits and vegetables. 

  • Supervise and assist children in preparing a healthy snack or meal using red fruits or vegetables. 

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children identify and name different types of red fruits and vegetables.

  • Children explore red foods using the senses of touch, smell, and taste.

  • Children describe the texture, flavor, and aroma of red fruits and vegetables.

  • Children participate in creating a collage using red painted paper cutouts.

  • Children engage in preparing a healthy snack or meal using red fruits or vegetables.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Rainbow Stew Activity

Watch the video here and sing along with your own fruits and vegetables if you made some.

Rainbow Stew Song

Take an apple

Put it in the pot

Stir it, stir it, stir it a lot.

Take it out. What will it be?

The prettiest red you ever did see.

(continue with foods of choice)

Activity Flow

  1. Begin by displaying prepared fruits and vegetables and ask them to name the different types of red foods they see.

  2. Invite the children to explore the red foods by touching, smelling, and tasting them. Encourage them 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.  

  3. Ask your child to share what foods were their favorite and why as well as their least favorites and why.

  4. Next, cut out red fruits and vegetables from the red 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. 

  5. While you are cutting and gluing, discuss the health benefits of eating red fruits and vegetables.

  • They keep us healthy and fight off sickness! Many red fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health.

  • They help our tummies feel good! Many red fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol.

  • They help our hearts! Red fruits and vegetables contain a variety of antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, and cancer.

  • They help our blood! Some red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and red bell peppers, are good sources of potassium, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.

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 red fruits or vegetables with your child. Here is a link to a Pinterest board I created with recipes and ideas.