### Lesson Plan for 4th Grade Physical Education: Health and Nutrition Education
**Grade Level:** 4th Grade
**Subject:** Physical Education
**Topic:** Health and Nutrition Education
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Objective:**
- Students will understand the basics of healthy eating and physical activity.
- Students will learn about the food groups and the importance of a balanced diet.
- Students will participate in physical activities that promote wellness.
**Materials:**
- Food Pyramid/MyPlate posters or printouts
- Flashcards of different foods
- Cones or markers for activity stations
- Jump ropes, hula hoops, and balls
- Worksheet on food groups and a balanced diet
- Pencils
**Standards:**
- National Health Education Standards (NHES): 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 7.2.1
- National Physical Education Standards: 1, 3, 4
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### Lesson Breakdown
**1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)**
**Introduction:**
- Briefly explain the lesson's objectives: understanding healthy eating and physical activities.
- Discuss why health and nutrition are important for their bodies and minds.
**Warm-Up:**
- Start with light stretching exercises.
- Follow with a short, fun activity like “Simon Says” focusing on different movements (jumping jacks, spinning, etc.).
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**2. Interactive Discussion on Nutrition (15 minutes)**
**Instructions:**
1. Display the Food Pyramid/MyPlate poster.
2. Explain the different food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
3. Discuss the importance of each food group and what a balanced diet looks like.
4. Show flashcards of various foods and have students classify them into the correct food groups.
5. Talk about “sometimes” foods that should be eaten in moderation (e.g., candy, soda).
**Activity:**
- Pair students and give each pair a few food flashcards.
- Ask them to place their cards in the correct food group on a large MyPlate poster on the wall.
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**3. Physical Activity Stations (20 minutes)**
**Set Up:**
- Create different stations around the gym or play area using cones or markers.
- Each station will focus on activities such as:
- Jump rope station
- Hula hoop station
- Toss and catch station
- Balance beam or line walk station
**Instructions:**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Explain the activity at each station and demonstrate if needed.
- Rotate groups every 4-5 minutes.
**Guidelines:**
- Emphasize the importance of staying active and how physical activities help our bodies stay healthy along with a good diet.
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**4. Worksheet and Review (10 minutes)**
**Instructions:**
- Hand out a worksheet on food groups and balanced diets.
- Have students complete it individually or in pairs.
- Review answers as a class and discuss any questions they may have.
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**5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)**
**Cool Down:**
- Lead a series of slow, deep-breathing exercises and stretches to cool down their bodies.
**Reflection:**
- Ask students to share one new thing they learned about health and nutrition.
- Encourage them to think about one healthy habit they can start at home.
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**Assessment:**
- Observe participation and understanding during activities and discussions.
- Check the worksheet for comprehension of food groups and balanced diets.
**Closure:**
- Recap the main points of the lesson.
- Remind students about the importance of combining healthy eating with regular physical activity.
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**Homework:**
- Students will keep a food and activity journal for one week, noting what they eat and any physical activities they do each day.
- Discuss their findings in the next class.
**Extensions:**
- Plan a trip to a local garden, farm, or grocery store to link classroom learning with real-world application.
- Invite a nutritionist or fitness expert for a guest lecture and Q&A session.
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This lesson plan aims to blend theoretical learning with practical applications, making the concept of healthy living both educational and fun for 4th-grade students.