Cluster Maps - A Teaching Strategy

Cluster Maps

Cluster Maps are a great organizing tool. They help to break down a topic into "bite size" pieces to turn a hard to understand topic into a picture! This is a tool that works well for visual learners.  This cluster map looks at the MyPlate Food Groups and Foods that belong to each group.

Find the activity on the KidZ Learning Connection Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidz-Learning-Connections 

LESSON PROCEDURE: 

This lesson can be an individual, small group, or large group activity. 

1. Introduce the lesson by telling students that eating foods from each of the 5 food groups everyday helps them stay healthy and well.  

2.  Ask them to list foods they ate yesterday. Write their responses on the board. The list will become quite long.

3. Go back to the top of the list and ask students to categorize each food listed by one of the 5 food groups - fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.. 

3. Ask students to complete the Foods and Food Group activity. If time permits, ask students to share their responses with the class. 
4. Use the books and/or video below as a follow up activity.

Books and Videos:

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To5kCUKMxAo

Book:  http://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Much-Junk-Food/dp/0394872177