Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the importance of making healthy food choices and how to incorporate nutritious ingredients into baking.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, ingredients for a simple recipe (e.g. oatmeal cookies), oven, and baking sheet.

Prep: Ensure all ingredients are accessible and the baking area is safe for the student to work in.

Activities

1. Discuss the importance of healthy eating and the role of ingredients in baking. Emphasize the use of whole grains, fruits, and less sugar in recipes.

2. Engage the student in measuring and mixing the ingredients for the oatmeal cookies, discussing the purpose of each ingredient as they go.

3. Assist the student in shaping the cookie dough and placing them on the baking sheet.

4. While the cookies are baking, have a conversation about the changes that happen to food when it's cooked and how it affects our bodies.

5. Enjoy the freshly baked cookies together and discuss how they taste and how they make the student feel.

Transitional-Kindergarten Grade Talking Points

• “We use different ingredients to make food. Some ingredients are good for our bodies, like oats and fruits.”
• “When we mix the ingredients together, it makes a special dough that we can turn into cookies.”
• “The cookies change when we put them in the oven. They get warm and crispy. It’s important to be safe around the hot oven.”
• “Eating healthy foods like these cookies with oats and fruits helps our bodies grow strong and gives us energy to play and learn.”