Vegetables Lesson Plan

Rationale

Context

The lesson plan titled Vegetables can be used in both second and third grade classrooms.  The lesson was created at Appalachian State University under the advisement of Julie Adams, a Health Education instructor.  I completed the lesson as a requirement for HED 3645, Health Education in Elementary School. 

The lesson introduced vegetables to students.  After the discussion of vegetables, students identified vegetables and the number of recommended daily servings for the vegetable group.  The students also cut out vegetables from construction paper, glued them to a pot making vegetable soup, and wrote the benefits of the selected vegetables in their soup.

Impact

The Vegetable lesson plan introduced students to several types of vegetables.  Students learned how to classify a vegetable based on its color.  Students determined that vegetables could be classified into six categories blue, green, yellow, red, blue or purple, or white vegetables.  The Vegetable lesson plan also allowed students to learn the benefits of each vegetable category, for example, red vegetables such as tomatoes or red peppers, will improve an individual’s heart, memory function, urinary track health, and help lower his or her risk of certain types of cancers.  Finally, the lesson taught students how to make healthier choices at lunch and supper.

Alignment

This lesson plan aligns with the following DPI program standards

Standard 5: Elementary teachers have an understanding of the major concepts of healthful living.

*     Indicator 1: The Vegetable lesson plan introduces students to vegetables and their benefits.  For example, students will learn if they eat red vegetables such as tomatoes or red peppers, they will improve their heart, memory function, urinary track health, and help lower their risk of certain types of cancers.

*     Indicator 2: The Vegetable lesson also teaches students choose foods that are more beneficial at lunch and supper, which will help lower their risk of major health issues in children such as obesity.