As students understand the effects of a good nutritional diet on growth and development, they assess eating habits to modify meals for a healthier lifestyle. The teacher can check for understanding of food groups by having students sort food into the appropriate pockets. An interactive placemat will allow students to evaluate their lunches by placing food markers in the correct section of the food pyramid. Students can also use this placemat for planning school lunches for the week. Such opportunities allow students at various age levels to set short-term eating goals, which will translate into positive dietary habits for healthy living.

(Figure A)

(Figure B)

Supplies Used: Black Marker, Cardstock, Chalk, Crayons, Double-Sided Tape, Glue, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Use blue and white sheets of 12" x 18" cardstock or construction paper for the placemat. Cut the white sheet to 11" x 17" and adhere to the blue sheet.
2. Die-cut the XL Food Pyramid #2 using various colors of paper. Leave one color whole and cut highlights from the other colors, using the perforations as a guide. Adhere the highlights to the whole pyramid.
3. Attach the completed Pyramid to the placemat (Figure A).
4. Title the placemat using a black marker.
5. Die-cut LG Designer Envelope and cut in half to create pockets. Alternately, create a 1" x 2 1/2" pocket for each food group (except the Oils) using the same color of paper as the corresponding paper on the Food Pyramid. Title each pocket (Figure B). Adhere pockets to the placemat.
6. Die-cut Food Pyramid Food #1, Food Pyramid Food #2 and Food Pyramid Food #3 using various colors of paper. Cut highlights and place the embellished food in the corresponding pockets. Crayons or chalk may be used to add additional highlights. Adhere the 'Oils' bottle to the Pyramid (see Main Photo).
7. Laminate each Daily Food Planner, pockets and food for reuse.