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This screen shows pupils that we need to eat the different food groups in a correct balance for maximum health and proper functioning of the body. It shows the healthy balanced plate and has an interactive element asking pupils to drag the appropriate text to match the food group on the plate.
Explain to pupils that meals should contain a balance of the different food groups in the amounts shown on the plate. Ask pupils to think about their diet and whether it is balanced. This leads into looking at a set of meals over a course of time. Give pupils the Lunch Log PDF and instruct them to keep a note of all the food and drink they have in school for a week. After the week review the pupils' diaries and ask them to evaluate whether they are eating the correct foods in the right balance and if they aren't what they can do to change their diet in school. This leads directly into the Healthy Schools Standards, in which pupils are encouraged to look at their school environment and consider ways to make it a healthier place. Encourage pupils to take their lunch log home and discuss their findings with their parents or guardians. This is especially important if the pupils have packed lunches.
Note: Diet can be a sensitive and social issue so consider the implications of this work and how best to handle any difficulties or embarrassment that may arise due to differing cultural, financial and social/family situations in the class. It is important to encourage the pupils to make good choices as far as possible but not to feel disadvantaged if their choices at home are limited.
The appropriate curriculum links are given below:
| Science |
Life Processes and Living Things Sc2, 2b |
That humans and other animals need food and water to stay alive |
| PSHE & citizenship |
Developing confidence and responsibility, 1a |
To recognise what they like and dislike |
| PSHE & citizenship |
Developing healthy, safer lifestyle, 3a |
How to make simple choices that affect their health and well-being |
Note about the lunch log
Diet can only be fully assessed over a long period of time and by a fully qualified nutritionist/doctor. While fruit and vegetables are preferable to sugary and fatty snacks, pupils should not be encouraged to make radical changes to their diet and certainly never to skip meals. When discussing nutrition, it is important therefore not to worry pupils that they may be eating 'the wrong things'.
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