Food

Early childhood education can strengthen children's relationship with food and drink. Some children adore eating and mealtimes are the highlight of their day. Other children have low appetites or eating anxieties and they may be hesitant to try new foods.

The educational benefits of food include food appreciation.

UNCRC

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the right to nutritious food (article 24).

Learning opportunities

Explore types of food

Children can learn about different types of food:

Dairy, eggs, fruit, grains, herbs, meat, nuts, oils, seeds, and vegetables.

Learning experiences

Read ingredient lists

Teach children about ingredient lists on common packaged foods, like cans of soup, biscuits, and dried fruit.

While children in early childhood are not expected to read the words, looking at the packaging will provoke questions and conversations. How can someone tell if they are allergic to this food?

Paint with lemon juice

Paint with lemon juice instead of paint and let it dry. The artwork will be invisible until it is placed near the heat of a lightbulb, an iron, or warm sunlight. Experiment with other liquids — like vinegar, orange juice, or milk. Which liquids work best? Which heat sources work best?