Learning About Traditional Foods That Keep Us Healthy
Objective
Students will identify traditional Indigenous foods and explain how they help our bodies stay healthy and strong.
Materials
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Coloured paper
Hook
Today we're going to learn about special foods that Indigenous peoples in Canada have eaten for thousands of years to stay healthy and strong. These foods come from the land, water, and sky right here in Canada!
Main Activity
Show students pictures or drawings of traditional Indigenous foods like salmon, blueberries, wild rice, bannock, and maple syrup on chart paper. Discuss how each food helps our bodies (fish gives us strong muscles, berries give us energy, etc.). Students will create their own 'healthy foods plate' by cutting out and gluing pictures of these traditional foods onto paper plates. They'll draw themselves eating one of these foods and share why it's good for their body. Finish by having students walk around and see each other's healthy food plates.
Discussion Questions
- What foods did Indigenous peoples eat to stay healthy?
- How do these foods help our bodies grow strong?
- Which traditional food would you most like to try and why?
- What can we learn from Indigenous peoples about eating healthy foods?
- How are these traditional foods different from foods we eat today?
Exit Ticket
Draw one traditional Indigenous food and tell a friend why it's healthy for your body.
Differentiation
Support: Provide pre-cut food shapes and work with students one-on-one to identify body parts that each food helps (point to muscles for fish, etc.).
Extension: Have students create a simple recipe card showing how one traditional food could be prepared and served to friends.
