Overview

This 5-day unit is designed for 5th graders to explore healthy food choices through engaging, standards-aligned reading, critical thinking, discussion, and practical application. Activities build literacy skills aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) while deepening understanding of nutrition and healthy habits. Each lesson includes I can statements, success criteria, vocabulary, differentiation strategies, and extension activities for diverse learners.

---

Standards Addressed

(Aligned with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text to explain what the text says explicitly and inferentially.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2: Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.5.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse partners.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.4: Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.

---

Day 1: Introduction to Healthy Food Choices

Objective

I can identify healthy and unhealthy food choices and explain why making healthy choices matters.

Success Criteria

• I can list healthy food groups.
• I can explain the benefits of healthy eating.
• I can participate in a class discussion about food choices.

Materials

• Reading Passage: “What Makes Food Healthy?” (adapted for 5th graders)
• Vocabulary cards: nutrients, vitamins, minerals, balanced diet, food groups
• Chart paper and markers

Activities (45 minutes)

1. Warm-up (5 min): Quick group brainstorm - “What do you like to eat? Which of these foods are healthy or unhealthy?”
2. Read Aloud (10 min): Teacher reads the passage “What Makes Food Healthy?” highlighting vocabulary words and discussing meanings.
3. Guided Discussion (10 min): Students discuss in pairs and then share as a class; teacher creates a chart of healthy vs. unhealthy foods adding reasons.
4. Vocabulary Match (10 min): Students match vocabulary cards with definitions/examples in small groups.
5. Exit Ticket (5 min): Write one reason why healthy food is important.

Differentiation

• Visual learners: Use illustrated food group charts
• ELL students: Pre-teach vocabulary with visual aids and simple sentences
• Struggling readers: Provide audio recording of reading passage
• Advanced learners: Research one vitamin/mineral and share why it is important

Homework

Draw a plate showing healthy foods you ate or want to eat this week. Label each food group.

---

Day 2: Understanding Nutrients & Food Groups

Objective

I can identify major nutrients and explain how each supports my body.

Success Criteria

• I can name at least three nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
• I can describe how each nutrient helps the body.
• I can complete a worksheet matching foods to their nutrient groups.

Materials

• Reading Passage: “Nutrients: Fuel for Your Body”
• Nutrient-Food Sorting Worksheet
• Colored pencils or crayons

Activities (45 minutes)

1. Quick Review (5 min): Recap yesterday’s healthy food groups chart.
2. Read Independently (10 min): Students read “Nutrients: Fuel for Your Body” passage silently or with a partner.
3. Think-Pair-Share (10 min): Students discuss what each nutrient does; teacher facilitates with guiding questions.
4. Nutrient Sorting (15 min): Students complete worksheet matching foods and nutrients, using different colors for each group.
5. Class Share (5 min): Volunteers share one new fact learned.

Differentiation

• Provide vocabulary list with definitions for reference
• Allow oral rather than written responses for students with writing challenges
• Support advanced learners to research a lesser-known nutrient (fiber or water)

Homework

Write 3 sentences describing your favorite food and what nutrient it has.

---

Day 3: Reading Menus and Making Healthy Choices

Objective

I can read a menu and choose healthy food options.

Success Criteria

• I can identify healthy options on a menu.
• I can explain my food choices with reasons.
• I can create a balanced meal from given menu choices.

Materials

• Sample restaurant menus (simplified)
• Menu Choice Worksheet
• “I Can…” sentence frames

Activities (45 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 min): Discuss why reading menus helps us make healthy choices.
2. Guided Practice (15 min): Explore sample menus as a class; discuss which items are healthiest and why.
3. Independent Work (15 min): Students complete Menu Choice Worksheet, selecting a balanced meal and explaining choices.
4. Group Discussion (10 min): Share meals and discuss different healthy options students chose.

Differentiation

• Use simplified menus and pictorial representations
• Provide sentence frames for writing explanations
• Advanced learners design their own healthy restaurant menu with prices

Homework

Interview a family member about their favorite healthy meal and write about it.

---

Day 4: Writing About Healthy Foods

Objective

I can write an informative paragraph explaining why healthy food choices are important.

Success Criteria

• I can organize my ideas with a topic sentence, supporting details, and conclusion.
• I can use vocabulary words from the unit.
• I can proofread and revise my writing.

Materials

• Writing organizer graphic
• Vocabulary word bank
• Sample paragraph

Activities (45 minutes)

1. Mini Lesson (10 min): Analyze a sample paragraph about healthy foods; identify main parts of a paragraph.
2. Brainstorm (10 min): Complete graphic organizer with topic ideas and supporting details.
3. Writing Time (20 min): Draft informative paragraph using word bank and organizer.
4. Peer Review (5 min): Exchange papers with a partner and give feedback.

Differentiation

• Use sentence starters for students needing support
• Allow oral presentation for those struggling with writing
• Challenge advanced students to include at least 3 transition words

Homework

Revise and edit the paragraph, then illustrate the paragraph content.

---

Day 5: Review and Apply: Planning a Healthy Menu

Objective

I can plan a healthy meal using what I’ve learned about nutrients and food groups.

Success Criteria

• I can select a balance of food groups for a meal.
• I can explain my choices clearly.
• I can work cooperatively to present my menu.

Materials

• Blank menu templates
• Food group charts from previous lessons
• Colored pencils, markers

Activities (45 minutes)

1. Review (5 min): Briefly review key nutrients and food groups.
2. Group Work (25 min): In groups of 4, students plan a healthy menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on template. Include explanations for each choice.
3. Presentations (10 min): Each group shares their menu and reasoning.
4. Class Reflection (5 min): Discuss what was easy or challenging about planning and what healthy eating means to them.

Differentiation

• Provide food group reference sheets for all groups
• Mix groups to pair stronger readers with those needing support
• Extension: Create a grocery shopping list for the planned menu

Homework

Write a short reflection: What is one new thing you learned this week about healthy foods?

---

Answer Keys (for teacher use)

Day 1 Exit Ticket Examples

• “Healthy food helps me grow strong.”
• “Fruits and vegetables have vitamins.”

Day 2 Nutrient-Food Sorting Sample

• Carbohydrates: bread, rice, pasta
• Proteins: chicken, beans, nuts
• Fats: butter, cheese, avocado

Day 3 Sample Healthy Meal from Menu

• Grilled chicken sandwich (protein)
• Side salad (vegetables)
• Fresh fruit (fruit)
• Water or milk (drink)

---

Final Notes

• Encourage a supportive, respectful environment throughout discussions.
• Integrate visuals and manipulatives as much as possible.
• Use formative assessment (exit tickets, discussion) daily to adjust teaching.
• Celebrate student efforts and progress in making healthy food choices!

This detailed and engaging plan integrates CCSS literacy standards through fun health content, supporting varied learners and promoting lifelong healthy habits!