Food and Hygiene - Lesson Plan

In this comprehensive lesson plan, students are immersed in the subject of food and hygiene, exploring various aspects of healthy eating and cleanliness. The lesson objectives are clearly outlined, aiming to help pupils identify different food groups such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and dairy, understand the digestive journey of food, and learn about the importance of maintaining good hygiene for health. The lesson encourages interactive learning, with children asking questions about food categorisation and the significance of hygiene practices. They are prompted to consider whether foods like chips belong with vegetables and where eggs fit within the food groups. This lesson serves as a foundation for future learning, with subsequent years expanding on the nutritional needs of humans and animals, the role of exercise, and the necessity of a balanced diet.

Practical activities are central to this lesson, including sorting various foods into their respective categories, making a fruit salad, and learning about handwashing. Pupils will engage in discussions about their favourite foods, use food cards for classification, and create a poster on when to wash hands. A particularly interactive exercise involves observing the effects of tea on eggs, which simulates the staining of teeth, and demonstrates the importance of brushing. Cross-curricular links are established with art, history, and geography, enriching the lesson with broader educational value. Health and safety considerations are highlighted, especially regarding potential slip hazards from spills and food allergies. The lesson concludes with a plenary session where students reflect on the importance of fruit and vegetables in their diet and the frequency of brushing teeth, assessing their understanding and progress.