Children's Art Projects for Nutrition

Using art to teach young children provides them both a hands-on experience and a visual representation of the subject matter. Naturally, educators have employed art projects as a learning aid since time immemorial. For young minds, sciences like nutrition can seem particularly abstract. Artistic representations help clear up the confusion.

The Food Pyramid

• Although it's been modified over the years, the food pyramid, which was first published by the USDA in 199, provides a quick visual representation of food groups and their recommended serving sizes. Children can have fun clipping images of food products from magazines and matching it to their corresponding spot on the pyramid.

Book It

• By first grade most children know their alphabet. An educator can build on this knowledge to help instill healthy nutritional lessons. Have students write their own alphabet book, using a healthy food or eating habit to represent each letter.

Healthy Ads

• Show students some food advertisements and have them identify the words and images advertisers use to foster interest in their product. Then, have students create their own advertising, using those skills, for beneficial products. Their ads should focus on the health benefits of the food item.

Draw A Healthy Meal

• Challenge students to create the healthiest meal in the class. Give them 3 sheets of paper to represent three plates. Have them draw a a course on each plate full of healthy foods. Then, have them defend their reason for including the foods they chose.