Chomp down on these fun activities to teach fruits and vegetables to preschoolers. Early education about nutrition doesn’t have to be hard!
Why Teach Fruits and Vegetables to Kids
Teaching fruit and vegetables to preschoolers may have more benefits than you think.
They will know the names of the tasty foods, but the positive impacts don’t stop there.
When you teach fruits and vegetables to kids, they may be curious about what different fruits and vegetables taste like.
If you can, offer a taste test, but keep in mind kids need multiple exposures to foods to see if they enjoy the taste.
Each fruit and vegetable has a different texture, smell, and look.
This provides a great sensory experience for your little ones.
As little ones look at the many colors of the fruits and vegetables, you can reinforce color recognition AND explain that each color provides different nutrients to their bodies.
Where do you start when you teach fruits and vegetables?
We have lined up ten hands-on activities to help you teach fruits and vegetables to little ones.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Teach Fruit and Vegetables with These Fun Activities
Fruit and Vegetable Tasting
This may come as a surprise to absolutely no one.
When learning about something new, littles are curious.
Encourage them to taste what different fruits and vegetables taste like.
Have a variety of fruits and vegetables available for preschoolers to try.
Encourage them to talk about the taste, texture, and color of each food they try.
Sorting Game
Provide pictures or gather actual fruits and vegetables and ask the preschoolers to sort them into two categories: fruits and vegetables.
You may need to start the piles for the fruits and vegetables so they know where to put each type of food.
Nature Walk
If the season allows, take a nature walk in a garden or park.
Point out different fruits and vegetables growing and discuss their characteristics (if they grow on a vine, what part of the plant is the part we eat, etc.)
Sensory Bin
Create a sensory bin filled with various fruits and vegetables.
Let your little ones explore the fruits and vegetables by touching, smelling, and sorting them.
Vegetable Printing
Cut different vegetables like bell peppers, okra, or potatoes in half and dip them into washable paint.
Allow the preschoolers to stamp the vegetables on paper to create unique prints.
We have a blog post about a similar activity with apples. Check it out here.
Fruit Salad Making
Show the preschoolers how to wash, peel, and cut different fruits.
Let them mix the fruits to create a colorful fruit salad.
Planting Seeds
Provide small pots, soil, and seeds of different fruits and vegetables.
Guide your little ones in planting the seeds and caring for the plants as they grow.
What a fun, rewarding, and tasty way to teach fruits and vegetables
Storytime
Read books about fruits and vegetables, such as “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
Play Kitchen
Set up a pretend kitchen area where preschoolers can play with plastic fruit and vegetables.
Encourage them to pretend to cook and serve healthy meals.
Fruit and Vegetable Hunt
Hide pictures of fruits and vegetables around the room or outdoor area.
Have the preschoolers search for them and name each item they find.
Teaching about Fruits and Vegetables
These fun, hands-on activities are sure to elevate your lessons when you teach fruits and vegetables.
You probably already have what you need for most of these activities, too!