Healthy Me

In this project, students explored all about healthy living. First graders became exercise experts, learning different ways to move their bodies and why exercise is important to staying healthy. Students also learned about nutrition and applied these ideas to their own lives. They discovered the five food groups and why each is important in a balanced plate. At the end of the project, students completed two final products. Through multiple drafts and critique, students created a ‘healthy plate’ that included the food groups with labels and realistic drawings. Students also used group work to choreograph an exercise routine. They filmed each section to compile into a class instructional workout DVD. First graders brought the plate and DVD home to help their families stay healthy.

Teacher Reflection:

We designed this project with active first graders in mind! Our hope was to harness their natural energy and need for movement while serving the purpose of promoting healthier living. We felt that they would be very engaged in the different forms of exercise and would enjoy choreographing and videotaping their own workout routines. What we didn’t expect was how enthusiastic they would be about nutrition as well! They really enjoyed learning about the food groups and how each one helps our bodies. They also loved creating actual plates with their careful artwork showing examples for a balanced meal. They worked diligently to use critique and improve each draft to make their food look realistic. Students took what they learned about food and carried that into their real life. Parents have told us that when they go grocery shopping now, their child will often suggest healthier options!

Student Reflection:

It was special making the first grade workout video because I got to make it with other people. We used a green screen. At first I was like, ‘Wait a minute! It’s just going to be green behind us!’ But then it changed to have different scenes like New York or a picture frame!

—Sydney To learn more visit www.hightechhigh.org/hte/projects