## Lesson Plan: Healthy Feeding and Eating Practices (I)
### Subject: Home Economics
### Grade Level: Junior Secondary 1
### Duration: 60 minutes
#### Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of healthy eating practices.
2. Identify the components of a balanced diet.
3. Understand the concept of portion sizes and proper meal planning.
4. Recognize the impact of healthy eating on overall well-being.
#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- PowerPoint presentation or printed handouts on a balanced diet
- Food pyramid chart or MyPlate graphic
- Examples of common foods (pictures or plastic models)
- Worksheet on meal planning
- Internet access for video (optional)
- Healthy snacks (fruits, vegetables) for tasting
#### Lesson Outline:
##### 1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion on what students had for breakfast that day.
- Explain the importance of healthy eating and its role in maintaining a healthy body.
- Present the lesson objectives to the students.
##### 2. Presentation (15 minutes)
- Use a PowerPoint presentation or handouts to explain the concept of a balanced diet.
- Define key nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Explain the food groups and their importance.
- Introduce the food pyramid or MyPlate graphic as a visual aid.
- Discuss portion sizes and the importance of eating the right amount of each food group.
##### 3. Interactive Activity (20 minutes)
- Show students pictures or use plastic models of various foods.
- Ask them to categorize the foods into the appropriate sections of the food pyramid or MyPlate graphic.
- Discuss how certain foods contribute to overall health and energy levels.
- Explain meal planning and demonstrate how to create a balanced meal using the day's breakfast as an example.
##### 4. Group Activity: Meal Planning (10 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and distribute the meal planning worksheet.
- Ask each group to plan a healthy meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) using the food pyramid or MyPlate as a guide.
- Each group will present their meal plan to the class and explain their choices.
##### 5. Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)
- Summarize key points about balanced diets, portion sizes, and healthy eating practices.
- Allow time for students to ask questions.
- Encourage students to start implementing these practices in their daily lives.
##### 6. Optional: Healthy Snack Tasting (if time permits)
- Provide a variety of healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables for students to taste.
- Discuss why certain snacks are considered healthy choices.
#### Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Evaluation of meal planning worksheets for understanding of balanced meals.
- Observation of students' ability to categorize foods and explain their nutritional value.
#### Homework Assignment:
- Ask students to keep a food diary for one day and then analyze it in the next class to see if they had a balanced diet. They should write a short paragraph about what they learned from this exercise.
### Notes for the Teacher:
- Ensure to create an inclusive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
- Be prepared to answer questions related to cultural food differences and dietary restrictions.
- Reinforce the idea that healthy eating is about balance and variety, not perfection.