Craft Lesson 5: Yum! MmMm! Que Rico!

Discussion:

This craft lesson simply explains the origins of many foods native to the Americas. It is also a good way to teach Children about cultural diversity. For instance, how many of the foods that we eat on a daily basis came from other countries. It will teach children to develop an appreciation for the many ethnic cultures represented in the United States. Plus, it is also a good way to determine if the author and illustrator did a good job in capturing the true essence of these foods.

How To Teach It:

The teacher asks her young pupils if they have ever tasted chocolate, or eaten peanuts, blueberries, corn, or potatoes? In most cases, all the children will say yes to all the items. The teacher can then ask general questions like where do you think that these foods came from? Do you think that we grow all these foods in the United States? After piquing the interest of the children,the teacher explains that we may grow many of these foods in the United States, but they all came from other countries. The teacher then mentions that she will read a book that explains the possible origins of these food items, plus many more. During the read aloud the teacher asks if the author and illustrator did a good job of showing how these foods may actually look and taste? If there is enough interest, the teacher can have the children make their own picture book of favorite foods, with descriptions and illustrations.

Resource Material: "Yum! MmMm! Que Rico!" by Pat Mora