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Fun with Food Groups Activity
By creating a chart with the food groups, I was able to highlight the difference between the food my toddler was eating and why it’s important to select food from different boxes. This activity was done over a couple week period. I focused on one food group each week, did the food groups activity, talked about it, mentioned it at dinner etc.
Directions: Using Bristol board, divide with marker into four squares (I also left a small space at the bottom to discuss treats at a later time if I choose) Then, select which square to fill and the food groups activity to do.
Food Groups Activity: Vegetables and Fruit 
This was the easiest group for him to understand. The first activity we did was a fruit bowl (see the purple thing in the square!). We talked about his favourite fruits and as he named them, I cut them out of felt. He glued them onto the “bowl” made of construction paper. What was great at the end, is that there was a variety of colour in his choices. We were able to talk about this as well. For vegetables, we did the activity from a preschool website here: Vegetable Basket //www.first-school.ws/activities/nutrition/veggiebasket1.htm and a Mr. Broccoli Head using this template: http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/mbigboybroccoli.html
Food Groups Activity: Dairy
Grains

By far, this was the most fun food groups activity because of the mess. I gathered all the grains I had in the cupboard (rice, couscous, oatmeal, flour, pasta etc) and put them in a container (I used an egg carton)Next, my son painted glue on a piece of cardboard (used a cereal box!)
Then, he added bits of the grains onto the glue. This got messy but it was fun! Let dry. Shake excess grains before adding to your board!
Meats and Meat Alternatives
Instead, I went through the cupboard and fridge and found examples of meat and meat alternatives: Peanut Butter, canned Salmon, Beans, eggs (using an old egg carton) – and I drew a fish and chicken leg!
He identified the foods, and we took the labels off if necessary and glued everything to the square.
Finally, to finish off the food groups activity we talked about cookies being a treat and “sometimes” food and read a book about Cookie Monster and cookies!
Have fun and encourage your child to talk about what they like about certain foods, their favourite things to eat etc.
Katie L. says
This is a very clever idea! I’m definitely going to do this one, since my son is a super picky eater and I’m hoping this will help him like/try more foods if he views them in a fun way. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Katie L.´s last blog ..365-267: Pasta =-.
brideleon says
Such a great idea! I love these crafts you do!
.-= brideleon´s last blog ..Let’s Go, Let’s Go =-.
Chantal says
That is a great activity Rebecca! Are you considering home schooling 🙂
.-= Chantal´s last blog ..Vegetables of my labour =-.
Dee says
What a wonderful activity! I especially like how you handled the meat/alternative section and also did the hands-on activity with the grains! Children learn so much more when all their senses are involved. Terrific!
I really love your blog and have given you a Lovely Blog Award over at my humble little blog:
http://newenglandnanny.blogspot.com/2009/09/walking-red-carpet.html
Heather - Dollar Store Crafts says
I think my three year-old would really love this activity. Thanks for posting about it – and Allie, thanks for the wonderful guest authors this week!
.-= Heather – Dollar Store Crafts´s last blog ..Quick Party Planning Tip: Playdough for Party Signs =-.
Melodie says
I love this idea. I’m big into teaching the kids about healthy foods and eating right and this is such a perfect craft for that.
Yemek Tarifleri says
I love this idea. thanks for post.
.-= Yemek Tarifleri ´s last blog ..Biftekli Salata =-.
kişisel gelişim uzmanı says
Thank you very good post.