Elementary School Nutrition Curricula

DINE in the elementary schools has three different age-appropriate curricula.

*** Disclaimer: The curriculum is available to the public, but it is highly recommended that it be taught only by Registered Dietitians, recognized experts in the field of nutrition. While the lessons may seem simple and self explanatory, questions that arise during lessons should be addressed by a trained professional to provide participants with the most accurate and up-to-date nutrition information.

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Curricula

1. Food Groups:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials 

Students explore MyPyramid and learn how to choose healthy foods from each food group everyday.

2. Food Safety:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students learn ways to keep their food safe: hand washing, handling food safely, and storing food properly.

3. Grains Group:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students learn about whole grains and how to choose whole grain foods to provide their bodies with energy.

4. Fruits & Vegetable Groups:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials    

Students learn about eating a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables to get the different nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy.

5. Dairy Group:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students learn how the foods in the Milk Group provide their bodies with with calcium to help build strong bones and teeth.

6. Protein Group:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students discover that foods in the Meat & Beans Group come from both plants and animals and also learn about heart healthy foods in this group. 

7. Breakfast:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students learn why breakfast is the most important meal of the day and discover some creative ideas for eating a healthy breakfast. Older students learn how to read and use the information on the Nutrition Label.

8. Healthy Snacks:     K-1 Lesson     2-3 Lesson     Supporting Materials 

Students learn that snacks are important for growing bodies, but should be limited in sugar and fat.

4th-5th Grade Curriculum

1. MyPyramid and Macro/Micronutrients:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students explore the essential macronutrients and micronutrients found within the five food groups of MyPyramid.

2. Label Reading:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials  

Students learn to decipher the nutrition facts label and learn methods to choose healthy foods.

3. Carbohydrates:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials

Students learn to distinguish between sugar, starch, and fiber with an emphasis on identifying whole grain foods.

4.Fats & Healthy Snacks:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials           

Students learn about the relationship between a diet high in saturated and trans fat and chronic diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

5. Protein:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials                 

Student explore the world of animal and plant proteins, highlighting lean choices for heart health.

6. Vitamins & Minerals:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials   

Students learn about the roles vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron play in the human body.

7. Energy Balance:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials                  

Students learn that a calorie is a measurement of energy and how to balance energy intake and energy expenditure.

8. Rethink Your Drink:     4-5 Lesson     Supporting Materials   

Students investigate healthy beverage alternatives to sugary soda and other "liquid candy."