Active learning ideas
Healthy Eating is a vital component of the 'Taking care of my body' strand in the SPHE curriculum. For Senior Infants, the focus is on identifying different food groups and understanding that food provides the energy needed for play and learning. This topic encourages children to make informed choices and recognize the importance of a balanced diet, which is a key life skill for long-term health.
Activity 01
Students rotate through stations with plastic food models or pictures. They must sort them into categories like 'Everyday Foods' and 'Sometimes Foods' based on classroom discussions.
Why do we need food?
Activity 02
In small groups, students look at pictures of various lunchboxes. They work together to identify which ones have a good balance of fruit, vegetables, and energy foods, suggesting one healthy addition for each.
What foods are good for our bodies?
Activity 03
Students take turns being 'chefs' and 'customers.' The chefs must create a balanced 'plate' for their customers using play food, explaining why they chose each item for energy and health.
How can we make healthy choices?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Fat is always bad for you.
Children often hear 'fat-free' marketing. It is helpful to use hands-on examples to explain that our bodies need some healthy fats (like those in avocados or fish) to help our brains grow.
Sugar gives you 'good' energy.
Students often feel a 'rush' from sugar. Active simulations comparing 'slow-release' energy (oats/fruit) to 'quick-crash' energy (sweets) help them understand why balanced meals are better for sustained play.
Methods used in this brief
Personal Hygiene
Learning daily routines for keeping the body clean and healthy. Understanding the importance of handwashing and dental care.
8 methodologies
Safety in My Environment
Identifying potential dangers at home, in school, and on the road. Learning rules to stay safe in different situations.
8 methodologies