Preschoolers are naturally interested in farms and farm animals, and many will already know the names of most farm animals and the sounds they make. Activities related to farm life are a good way to introduce preschoolers to the origins of their food, the principles of nutrition and the concept of work.
Farm Animal Games
Play "20 Questions" about farm animals. Ask students, "What farm animal am I?" Students must ask you "yes or no" questions in order to find out, such as, "Do you lay eggs? Do you have fur?" Allow students to ask 15 to 20 questions before revealing the name of the animal. Another game is the animal box blindfold game. Fill a box with small plastic animals, plastic eggs, feathers and other items that relate to animals. Blindfold a student and invite her to pick an object from the box. Ask the student to determine what animal the object represents.
Dairy Tasting Center
Set up a dairy tasting center with small, labeled samples of different types of dairy products, such as cow's milk, goat's milk, cow cheese, goat cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and sour cream. Invite students to comment on the texture, taste and color of each product. Explain that all of these different foods are made from the milk of cows or goats. Explain that growing children need to eat and/or drink several dairy products each day in order to get the calcium they need for strong bones.
Playing with Grain
Set up a grain manipulative center by filling different tubs with corn, oats, wheat and rice. Provide plastic cups, spoons and funnels, and allow students to spoon, stir and otherwise play with the different grains. Explain that grains are the seeds of various types of grasses, and that they grow on farms. Explain that grains provide energy to our bodies. Whole grains are best because they digest more slowly and provide fiber that our bodies need.
LIttle Red Hen
Explain that farmers do a great deal of work so we can eat. Read the story of "The Little Red Hen." Discuss the different steps required to grow wheat and eventually turn it into bread. Invite students to help you make a simple bread recipe, reminding them that they should be hard workers like the Little Red Hen. While the bread is baking, fill a jar one-fourth full of cream and have students take turn shaking it. Explain that butter is simply cream that as been shaken or "churned." Serve the finished butter with the bread.
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