Food for Thought
What’s inside...
Introduces the food pyramid, and explains what foods on each level do, and how much to eat of each type of food.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
17 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What were some of your favorite foods mentioned in the book, and why do you think they are important?
How do the different animals in the story choose their food? Can you think of how we choose what we eat?
What did the book teach you about where food comes from?
How do you feel about trying new foods after reading this story?
If you could create a meal for the animals in the book, what would you serve them and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences with food by discussing their likes and dislikes.
Discuss the food chain concept shown in the book by breaking down simple examples from the story, then connecting them to real-world examples.
Use engaging visuals from the book to aid in explaining complex concepts about nutrition.
Ask your child to imagine and describe meals for different animals and discuss how animals' needs differ from humans'.
Revisit the book's images and let your child explain what's happening in each scene to reinforce comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of healthy eating
Explanation: Through colorful illustrations and engaging stories, 'Food for Thought' teaches children about different types of foods and their nutritional benefits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by making healthier food choices during meals, understanding the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness through cuisine
Explanation: Lisa Trumbauer introduces various dishes from around the world, showing not only how they are made but also their cultural significance.
Real-World Application: Kids can explore and appreciate diversity through food, encouraging them to try new dishes and learn about the cultures they originate from.
Example Lesson: The science of cooking
Explanation: The book explains the basic science behind cooking methods like boiling, baking, and frying, making it educational as well as fun.
Real-World Application: Children can take an interest in cooking at home, applying scientific concepts to help with preparing simple dishes, enhancing both their culinary and scientific skills.
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book often cook and enjoy meals together, highlighting the value of sharing and working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to participate in family meals, helping in the kitchen, and sharing food with others as a form of bonding and collaboration.