5th Grade
As children approach middle school, they are more likely to begin preparing some of their own meals and snacks. Active Eating
includes many suggestions for helping kids think about healthy foods and how they can prepare them.
The activities are divided into the following categories:
Studies indicate that kids who eat breakfast concentrate better, have better attendance, are less irritable and fatigued, and have better control of their weight.
Breakfast Moves
Students will share how eating a healthy breakfast makes them feel.Alphabet Toss
Students will recognize the importance of eating a variety of foods for breakfast.Red Light Green Light
Students will distinguish between "go" (healthy) and "slow" (less healthy) breakfast foods.A What?! (Fruit Version)
Students will identify a variety of less common fruits they can eat for breakfast.Breakfast Beat
Students will identify the five food groupings and recognize some healthy foods they can eat for breakfast.
Almost 30% of schools serve lunches that do not meet nutrient guidelines for protein, vitamins, and minerals. Educate your students about healthy lunch choices in the cafeteria and at home.
The Hot Seat
Students will brainstorm ways to overcome obstacles to eating a healthy lunch.Foods on Five!
Students will identify the five food groupings and recognize the importance of eating a variety of foods for lunch.Loopy Laps
Students will distinguish between "go" (healthy) and "slow" (less healthy) lunch foods.Vegetable Scramble
Students will recognize a variety of vegetables they can have for lunch.Sandwich Stack
Students will recognize some healthy foods they can put in a sandwich for lunch.
Kids that regularly eat dinner with their family are less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, like skipping meals, or eating disorders, like anorexia. Frequent family meals are also associated with better grades. Encourage your students to play active roles in planning healthy dinners with their families.
Dinner Moves
Students will recognize their dinner-time habits and set a dinner-related personal health goal.Menu Mash-Up
Students will identify all five food groupings and recognize the importance of eating a variety of healthy foods for dinner.Red Light Green Light
Students will distinguish between "go" (healthy) and "slow" (less healthy) dinner foods.Protein Toss
Students will identify a variety of protein-rich foods they can eat for dinner.Food Detective
Students will recognize a variety of healthy dinner foods.
The percentage of children who eat snacks between regular meals has exploded to 98% . Kids are more likely to choose sugary fruit drinks and high-calorie junk food than healthy snacks like low-fat milk, fruits, or vegetables. Encourage your students to make healthy food choices throughout the day.
Snack Mime
Students will identify the five food groupings and share how preparing and eating snack makes them feel.Colors for Snack
Students will recognize the importance of eating a variety of foods for snack.Loopy Laps
Students will distinguish between "go" (healthy) and "slow" (less healthy) snack foods.Wheat, Barley, Rye, GO!
Students will identify a variety of whole grain foods they can eat for snack.Snack Scramble
Students will identify a variety of low-sugar or sugar-free foods.
Supplement your students' knowledge and continue the fun with these additional activities.
Sugar Hop
Students will identify a variety of low-sugar or sugar-free foods.Fast Food to Go Food
Students will discuss healthier alternatives to common fast foods.Pasta Weave
Students will identify healthy foods that can be added to pasta meals.Fruit Kebob Tag
Students will recognize a variety of fruits they can eat in a fruit kebob.
