1. Choose & Understand

a: Introduction (10-20 minutes)
Introduce the topic of balance diet by explaining in detail all relevant aspects. To make it more appealing and interesting for the children this introduction can be made in the form of a news alert (Details of which can be found on the right).

b: Activity (20-40 minutes)
Use charts to explain with the help of pictures and illustrations aspects reviewed during the introduction.

c: Conclusion (10-15 minutes)
Play a game with the children called the ‘Food Game’. Instructions on how to play this game are given below

Food Game:
Here are the instructions on how to play the Food Game in the classroom with all the students. A very effective tool to help children understand the different food groups, the Food Game can be modified and adapted for any classroom and any requirement.

On a large piece of cloth make 6 pockets labeled Protein, Vitamins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Minerals and Water.

With children’s help, draw food items on a chart paper and cut them out, making a number of cards each with a different food item drawn on it (make sure these cards can fit into the pockets).

Ask each child to pick up a card and select which pocket to place it in.

If the child is correct ask him/her to name a few more examples of the same group.

If the child could not place the card in the correct pocket, correct him/her and explain why the food item belongs in its particular pocket.

2. Find out More
a: Further information Request the children to ask their parents what they generally eat.

b: The next day ask the children to share their findings in the classroom.

3. Discuss the Topic
a: Invite the children and their mothers to the classroom for small activities. These can include role-playing, singing songs and giving public messages on the topic.

b: Help each child, to form a list of what constitutes a balanced diet. Inform the children that a balanced diet does not necessarily mean expensive food. Make sure to select food items that are easily available in their specific surroundings.

4. Take Action
a: Ask children to draw pictures of healthy food items that they would like to eat. Ask them to share their drawings and tell their mothers what they would want to eat to make their diet wholesome and balanced. Ask the children to inform their mothers why that prescribed diet is important for them.

b: Organize role-plays, songs and public messages that the children can perform in front of their mother and teachers.

5. Evaluate
Assess the implementation of the ‘balanced diet’:

i. What did the children learn?
ii. How effective was it to provide this information to the children?
iii. What did the mothers learn?
iv. What more can be done on the same subject?