About This Lesson
Bombarded with information from all directions, children are not likely to ingest the necessary bits telling them which particular type of food is good for them. A key to becoming healthy is not only through exercise, but knowing what is most efficient in our bodies’ upkeep. For decades, the basic food groups have been an aid in beginning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Teaching the basic food groups to children can be challenging. However, there are ways to present the necessary information in a manner they can easily consume, as well as retain. If you reach them young enough, you can help children develop into adults who do not cringe after hearing the words ‘food groups’ or ‘vegetables.’
When it comes to their health, children are most likely not involved in many of the decisions (i.e., meal planning and food selection). Here are some ways you can involve them in learning about the food groups.
Planning
Sit down with them and plan out various meals to get an idea of what they like and how you can incorporate the basic food groups into said meals. Help them make the learning a part of a lifestyle change. Point out which of their favorites have alternatives.
Take them grocery shopping and make a game of it. See if they can identify the food groups by picking random items. Like the meal planning, this will give them an opportunity to witness the decision making process, what to look for, and what questions to ask.
Make it about their own food style and preferences. If the your children are active, then make it about how certain foods fuel different activities
Make it fun
Whether their way of learning is “visual, auditory, global, analytic, inductive, [or] deductive,” you can provide children with literature on the subject, or you can give them hands-on lessons. This will help you focus on the types of stimuli that will get through to them.
When making a meal, for example, substitute something healthy for preferred food items. For example, if you cut spinach small enough, the children might think it is a spice. You can do the same with onion, except mush it to make it small. Ask them afterwards if they noticed anything different about the meal. The point here is not necessarily to fool them, but to point out to them that you can eat healthy without trying.
Don’t be afraid to use apps. Yes there have been many studies regarding the overuse of smartphones and their detrimental effects, but not all screen time is bad. Acknowledge the importance of such technology in the lives of children. Maybe use it as a reward, but only to play certain games for a certain time. There are also many apps out there that can help children learn about the food groups.
Using examples from pop culture can provide an incentive for children to learn more. Looking at memes and GIFs of people making healthy choices can help the idea of learning about and maintaining a healthy lifestyle more palatable. For example, Le-Vel Thrive has developed memes to encourage people to think differently about their health and lifestyles. Through the use of humor and positive messages, readers can see that being healthy is not boring, but a pathway to a more rounded, fulfilling life.
Make it memorable
At the very least, you want them to grow up to be healthy adults. Give them the various tools that will help them recognize good from bad food choices by incorporating those choices within the context of their life. With both exercise and understanding the basic food groups, they can pay attention to their own health. By utilizing various methods of teaching, the importance and uses of the food groups will be instilled in them and not only positively affect their health, but the life choices they make as well.
