Kindergarten
Nutrition-Related Curriculum Expectations (2016)
- Demonstrate an awareness of their own health and well-being.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of healthy, active living on the mind and body (e.g., choose a balance of active and quiet activities throughout the day; remember to have a snack; drink water when thirsty).
- Investigate the benefits of nutritious foods (e.g., nutritious snacks, healthy meals, foods from various cultures) and explore ways of ensuring healthy eating (e.g., choosing nutritious food for meals and snacks, avoiding foods to which they are allergic)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity among individuals and families within schools and the wider community.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the natural world and the need to care for and respect the environment.
- Demonstrate a sense of identity and a positive self-image.
- Develop an appreciation of the multiple perspectives encountered within groups, and of ways in which they themselves can contribute to groups and to group well-being.
- Communicate their thoughts and feelings, and their theories and ideas, through various art forms.
Classroom Inspiration
Discuss why it is important to eat a variety of foods.
Eating a variety of foods gives our bodies the energy and nutrients they need to grow, play and learn. It can also help us sleep better, feel better and stay healthy as we grow.
Activity Ideas: Look for opportunities to incorporate nutrition into classroom teaching.
- Create ‘food-themed’ centres (e.g., grocery store, farmer’s market, kitchen, restaurant, garden or farm) keeping the spirit of nutritious foods in mind.
- Read a food-related book at story time.
- Incorporate vegetables and fruit (and other foods) into art projects.
- Use vegetables and fruit as units in math questions.
- Practice sorting by categorizing different foods by various characteristics (e.g., colour, shape, origin, texture).
- Visit a local farm or grocery store.
- Explore different cultural food practices.
