Bystrá škôlka, Sky Park

Project: "We value food – we don't waste it"

Age group: 3–4 years

Main objective: Children will realize the value of food and understand that food is not a given. Through education, they will be led to understand that food requires effort and deserves to be treated with respect.

Sub-objectives:

• Identify the origin of food (field, garden, store)
• Understand that food does not grow on its own
• Learn to take appropriate portions of food
• Express their own opinions on ways to prevent food waste

Implementation of the activity

Motivational phase

During morning circle time, I bring the children an apple and ask them, "Do you think this apple got to our table by itself?" The children will respond spontaneously and share their ideas. I then explain the story of the apple to them in a simple and understandable way:

• Someone planted the tree
• The tree grew and needed sun and water
• Someone picked the apple
• Someone transported it to the store
• A parent bought it

The children will act out the individual parts of the story – the growth of the tree, the shining sun, the picking of apples.

Main part – "How much should I take?"

The children work in small groups with paper plates and food models. In the first step, they will be able to "take" a larger amount of food. The teacher then asks them:

• Can you eat all of this?
• What will happen if you don't eat it?

In the second step, the children try to take an appropriate amount of food. Together, they compare the difference between "a lot" and "just enough." With the guidance of an adult, they come to the conclusion that it is better to take a smaller portion and add more if necessary.

Reflection and discussion

I talk to the children about specific situations in the dining room and at home. They answer simple questions:

• What do we do when we have food left over?
• How does mom or the cook feel when we throw food away?

Conclusion – Creating a class rule

Together with the children, we create a simple rule that is easy for them to understand:

"We take as much as we can eat and we value our food."

Expected results

Children will:

• Understand that food does not grow on trees
• With the help of an adult, be able to serve themselves an appropriate amount of food
• Gradually develop habits of responsible food handling
• Respond appropriately in situations related to food and dining