### Lesson Plan: Fruits for Toddlers
**Objective:**
Introduce toddlers to different types of fruits through sensory exploration, songs, and interactive activities, helping them recognize and name various fruits.
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**Duration:** 30-45 minutes
**Materials Needed:**
- Real fruits (apple, banana, orange, strawberry, etc.)
- Picture cards of fruits
- Safety knives for cutting fruits (optional, if age-appropriate and supervised)
- Small bowls and plates
- A large chart paper and markers
- Songs or nursery rhymes about fruits
- A book about fruits
- Coloring sheets with fruit images
- Crayons or non-toxic markers
- Fruit-based snacks (pre-cut or provided)
- Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
- Parent participation (optional but helpful)
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**Introduction (5 minutes):**
1. **Gathering Time:**
- Have toddlers sit in a circle on the floor. Welcome them by singing a greeting song.
- Briefly introduce today’s topic: Fruits.
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**Activity 1: Fruit Exploration (10 minutes):**
1. **Show and Tell:**
- Show the toddlers each fruit, one at a time.
- Let them touch, smell, and look closely at each fruit. (Ensure hygiene: clean fruits and consider hand sanitizers.)
- Name each fruit clearly while showing it.
2. **Discussion:**
- Ask simple questions about the fruits, like “What color is this fruit?” or “Who has eaten an apple before?”
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**Activity 2: Fruit Songs (5 minutes):**
1. **Sing Songs and Rhymes:**
- Teach and sing some fruit-related songs or nursery rhymes, such as “Apples and Bananas” or “I Like to Eat, Eat, Eat Apples and Bananas.”
- Encourage toddlers to sing along, clap, and dance.
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**Activity 3: Fruit Tasting (Optional, 10-15 minutes):**
1. **Fruit Tasting Experience:**
- With hygienic practices in place, allow toddlers to taste small, age-appropriate pieces of each fruit.
- Discuss the taste, texture, and color of each fruit.
- Ensure safety precautions, avoiding any known allergens or choking hazards.
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**Activity 4: Story Time (5-10 minutes):**
1. **Read a Book:**
- Choose an engaging picture book about fruits and read it aloud.
- Show the pictures and involve toddlers by pointing out and naming fruits in the book.
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**Activity 5: Fruit Art (5-10 minutes):**
1. **Coloring Activity:**
- Hand out coloring sheets with images of fruits.
- Provide crayons or non-toxic markers and encourage toddlers to color the fruits.
- Walk around, assist if needed, and praise their efforts.
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**Conclusion:**
1. **Review and Praise:**
- Gather the toddlers back into a circle.
- Review the fruits they learned about today.
- Give everyone a chance to say their favorite fruit.
2. **Goodbye Song:**
- Sing a goodbye song and thank the toddlers for their participation.
- Hand out any fruit-related snacks to take home (if not done during the lesson).
**Notes for Teachers:**
- Keep activities short to match toddlers’ attention spans.
- Be prepared to adapt the plan based on the children’s engagement.
- Ensure all food-related activities adhere to safety and allergy guidelines.
- Involve parents or caregivers for additional support, if needed.
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**Learning Outcomes:**
- Toddlers will be able to recognize and name different fruits.
- They will develop sensory and motor skills through touching and tasting fruits.
- They will enhance their language skills through songs, stories, and verbal interactions.