Lesson Introduction & Overview Emerging research shows many powerful benefits of approaching life with an attitude of gratitude. The benefits of being grateful can include mental wellness, school success, generosity, and even physical health. An attitude of gratitude isn’t something that people are born with or not; very young children can begin to learn skills… Read more

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Lesson Introduction & Overview Backpacks are a great way to carry stuff: books, homework and other items for school, sports gear, or general belongings. But backpacks can also pose problems if they aren’t used and worn correctly. Backpacks that are too heavy, aren’t worn properly or have uneven weight distribution can cause muscle and joint… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson will help young people understand some of the most common causes of bad breath, how to test if they have bad breath, and what they can do about it.  The main activity will be 10 quiz questions that can be delivered on the interactive whiteboard, on a printed activity sheet, or… Read more

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Lesson Overview Bodies get a lot of attention in our society, some of it not very positive, much of it focused on appearance more than actual health. This lesson helps young people understand different components that make up the structure of the human body. Youth will learn how eating and exercise habits influence how much… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand what they need to do to protect and help grow their brains. They will learn about activities and habits that help their brains develop and function at their best. Introduction The brain is a very important organ. Without it, nothing else in a body can function. Scientists… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the importance of eating a healthful breakfast every day. The youth will plan and research a breakfast meal and create a poster or digital presentation including nutrient information. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about breakfast habits for young… Read more

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Lesson Overview Asthma is a disease that causes the small airways in your lungs to become inflamed or swollen. It may also lead to airway spasms. Both of these conditions narrow your airway and make it hard for you to breathe. Commons asthma triggers include: cigarette smoke (including secondhand smoke) car exhaust and other air… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people think of healthful snacks they can eat. In this two-day activity, youth will use their creativity to invent a healthful snack and market it to their peers. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about snacks. These facts can be shared with… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people define “screen time” and potential problems with spending too much time looking at electronic screens. They will analyze how much of their day they spend in front of electronic screens and think of healthy ways to limit their screen time. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may… Read more

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Lesson Introduction & Overview Riding a bike is a great way to stay fit, get around your neighborhood or town, have fun with family and friends, and enjoy the great outdoors. While bike riding can be so good for our health, there is also a risk of crashing or falling. Many times we are sharing… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how their eyes work, how to keep them healthy, and ways to protect them during different activities. The topic is introduced with whole-group formative assessment questions to generate interest and discussion. Then, youth complete an activity where they learn the parts of the eye. Finally, they learn… Read more

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Lesson Overview Finding a healthful, well-balanced meal in most fast food restaurants can be a challenge, but there are always choices you can make that are better than others. In this lesson, young people will explore common fast food choices and the corresponding nutritional information. They will list healthier choices to make when eating at fast… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps raise awareness and promote safety about food allergies. The youth will practice packing an imaginary picnic lunch, paying attention to their friends’ dietary restrictions. They will think of treats that everyone can enjoy at special events. Instructor Notes This lesson is about raising awareness and promoting safety about food allergies.… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand where healthy food comes from. The youth will discuss what kind of plants produce their favorite fruits and vegetables. Then they will try out gardening themselves by planting some bean seeds and watching the plants grow. Introduction Ask the young people where our food comes from. Give… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the benefits of outside play for their bodies and minds. The youth will participate in three hands-on activities that show some of the many ways they can enjoy being outdoors. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about the benefits… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how using the Nutrition Facts label helps them make healthy food choices. They will practice reading food labels, looking for calories, ingredients, and daily value percent’s. Introduction Understanding and using the Nutrition Facts label is an important step in helping young people fight obesity and prevent health problems… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the way that grocery stores are designed, how products may be deceptively marketed, and ways to find the most healthful options in grocery store aisles. The youth will compare two similar products and then pick the healthier version. They will make informed choices by looking at the… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the negative effects of tension and stress, and how guided imagery can help you relax. The facilitator will lead young people in a guided imagery exercise. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about guided imagery. This can be shared with… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the negative effects of tension and stress, and how you can use your imagination to help you relax. The youth will draw pictures of their minds under stress. Then the instructor will lead young people in a guided imagery exercise. Introduction What is guided imagery? How can… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the importance of hand-washing by showing them firsthand how everyday germs start out invisible, but when left unattended grow into something very unappealing. They will review proper hand-washing techniques. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about hand-washing. These facts… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how their hearts work and why it is important to keep them healthy. The youth may participate in any of the five activities that teach how the heart delivers oxygen-rich blood to every part of the body. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people think about the ways their bodies give them signals telling them when they need to eat. They will use a worksheet to track their hunger before and after a snack and learn that tracking your hunger can keep you from overeating. Introduction Ask the youth, what does a… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the importance of breakfast. The youth will think about good food choices by discussing “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and singing The Breakfast Song. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about the importance of breakfast for children.… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how to eat slowly and mindfully. The youth will practice by paying close attention to smells, texture and taste while eating a healthful snack. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about mindful eating. These facts can be shared with young people during… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the link between their breathing and how they feel. The youth will practice focused breathing techniques to help their bodies and minds relax. Optional activities allow young people to further explore mindful breathing. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following notes… Read more

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Lesson Overview Most kids know by age 8 or 9 that changes will start happening to their bodies as they get closer to being teenagers and then young adults. What a lot don’t know, however, is that there are also some changes they’ll need to make in how they care for themselves. Parents, teachers, and… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how finding balance between their values and what they do can help them feel healthier and happier. The youth will complete a Values Circle Chart and compare the most important things to them with how they spend their time. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson will introduce young people to the structure of their ears and how they work through a diagram and by building a model ear drum. The youth will play a listening game to learn more about their hearing and how important it is to keep their ears healthy. Introduction Describe the three… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how living a healthy life has to do with more than just what they eat. Healthy living requires following certain habits and routines each and every day. The youth will identify the things they each do personally to lead to healthy lives. Then together they plan an… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how to choose a healthful meal when eating school lunch. Youth will draw their lunch choices on paper trays, then examine the drawings to see if their meal represents the five food groups. Instructor Notes School lunches play an important part in meeting a child’s daily nutritional needs. Since most elementary age… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people discover “tricks of the trade” in food and beverage marketing. They practice comparing the messages conveyed through advertisements with the nutrition information available about different products. Introduction Explain to the youth that eating healthful foods is important to a person’s growth, development and overall well-being. Their eating behaviors… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how they can change their perspective to a more positive view by practicing new ways of thinking, or mental models. The youth will learn about the Five Pillars of Excellence, which can help identify what we want and how to get there. They will learn how to… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the health benefits of low-fat milk by analyzing nutrition labels. Instructor Notes Beformide facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about low-fat milk products. These facts can be shared with kids and parents during your discussions. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines recommends Americans switch to… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people visualize how much milk they should drink each day by pouring 8 ounces into each of three glasses. The youth will complete a milk-themed maze activity. Optionally, the young people can photograph themselves with milk mustaches to remind them to drink milk each day. Introduction Talk with the… Read more

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Lesson Overview This exercise lesson helps kids understand why being active is important for their bodies and minds. The youth will experience how they feel different before and after physical activity. In this activity, kids will estimate how much daily exercise they get and think of ways they can be more active. Introduction Ask young… Read more

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Lesson Overview  This lesson helps young people get acquainted with MyPlate and how it can be used as a visual tool for a lifetime of healthy eating. They will explore the food groups that are represented on MyPlate and analyze a meal of their own by drawing it on a paper plate. Finally, youth will… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how whole foods stack up against protein bars, powders and shakes. The youth will compare the nutrients in a supplement product against the amount in whole foods. Young people will also consider cost as they recommend healthful sources of protein and other nutrients in a presentation or… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson explores what it means to stay safe online. It focuses on cyberbullying and helping young people understand what it is, reflect on their experiences of it, and learn ways to prevent it or stop it. Introduction Cyberbullying happens when kids bully each other through electronic technology such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram,… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson explores what it means to leave a digital footprint and discusses what a digital imprint is. It helps young people learn about their own online presence and activity, and make changes if they decide to. This lesson also includes an interactive worksheet and online activities. Introduction Staying safe online means different… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the sugar content of popular beverages such as sodas, energy or sports drinks. The youth will measure out granulated white sugar so they can picture the true amount of sugar in these drinks. Young people will think of more healthful options to quench their thirst throughout the… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how to use a pedometer to measure their daily activity levels. The youth are introduced to the pedometer, learn how to operate it and test its accuracy. In the subsequent days or weeks, young people can track their steps on the provided forms. Challenge your group by… Read more

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Lesson Overview Picky eating often occurs at ages 3 to 5. At this age, children like to explore food rather than eat to it. Usually it is a phase that children go through and then grow out of over time. Children often refuse foods because of color or texture. Teaching them to explore foods and… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the importance of accurately estimating how much of a food they should eat. The youth will estimate portion sizes of snacks and compare to the actual serving size. To make estimating easier, they will compare portion sizes to common items. Introduction To introduce this topic, share the… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people define “screen time” and potential problems with spending too much time looking at electronic screens.  They will analyze how much of their day they spend in front of electronic screens and think of healthy ways to limit their screen time. Introduction Help the youth define screentime by asking… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people choose healthy snacks. The youth will color a worksheet and decide which foods are healthful choices. Introduction Introduce the lesson by discussing the following questions with young people: Why do we eat snacks? Stop our stomachs from being hungry When do we eat snacks?   Between mealtimes How… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand why drinking water is important. An Interactive whiteboard lesson teaches facts about the body’s need for water and offers tips to help the youth to drink more water. Using actual healthy and dehydrated plants reinforces the message that all living things need water! Introduction Here are some… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how to keep their skin safe in the sun. The youth will identify signs of melanoma and take note of any moles to watch on their own bodies. Introduction Start by telling the youth that everybody needs some exposure to the sun.  It is our body’s main… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how handling food safely will help them avoid becoming sick from food poisoning. Youth will gain interest in the topic by reading a story and solving a mystery.  They will learn tips for keeping food safe and test their knowledge with a quiz. Introduction: Food Safety Story… Read more

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Self-Esteem Lesson Plan Overview This lesson helps young people reflect on the messages they get and give (including to themselves) about personal worth and value. They learn steps they can take to feel confident and good about themselves. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson plan, you may want to review the following information about self-esteem.… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the basic structure, function, and care of skin. Youth will be introduced to the topic with an online interactive quiz. They will read about the skin, including tips for its care, then get creative by designing products and giving persuasive presentations. Introduction This lesson focuses on three… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how choosing healthful snacks is a habit that can benefit them every day as they grow. The youth will discuss their snacking habits and make a plan to switch out unhealthful snacks with healthful ones. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand why it is important to brush and floss their teeth. The youth will observe effects of corrosive liquids on eggshells as a demonstration of how harsh materials affect tooth enamel. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about dental care for… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand why we need to bathe on a regular basis—with an emphasis on bathing several times a week. The youth will take part in a demonstration that helps them visualize how germs are spread from person to person. Finally, they will practice proper hand-washing with soap. Instructor Notes… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand ingredients in energy drinks and sports drinks that may be unhealthful for children and teens. The youth will compare the caffeine levels of various drinks and create a warning label with some facts about their effects. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review… Read more

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Lesson Overview This health safety lesson helps young people understand the equipment they need to stay safe during different sports and activities. They will color images of athletes and then label the different gear that keeps them safe. Introduction Explain to the youth that using the wrong or improperly fitted equipment is a major cause… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the symptoms of stress and learn some techniques for dealing with it. The youth will practice relaxation techniques that focus on calming the body in order to relax the mind. Introduction Explain to the youth that stress can have a powerful impact on your body. Here are… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the causes and effects of stress and learn some techniques for dealing with it. The youth will identify physical symptoms of stress and list some situations that may bring them on. They will learn some skills for managing stress and make their very own stress ball. Introduction… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps children understand that stretching their muscles is a part of a healthy lifestyle at all ages. This activity will teach several easy stretches for kids to do together. Introduction Provide kids with information on the positive benefits and importance of stretching: Stretching is important at any age Stretching: helps move… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how important sleep is to growing bodies and minds. The youth will determine how many hours of sleep they should get each night and learn how to track healthy sleeping habits in a sleep diary. Introduction Introduce the topic of sleep by asking the questions below and facilitating a… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the basic concepts of concussions. Youth will discuss brain injuries and complete a KWL chart (already Know, Want to know, what I Learned) to list facts about concussions. A hands-on learning activity gives young people a chance to experience what living with a brain injury may be… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson will help young people understand gluten allergy and gluten sensitivity. They will look for gluten in the food groups on MyPlate and think of ways to be kind to those who follow a gluten-free diet. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about gluten-free… Read more

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Lesson Overview Tobacco companies use messaging, advertisements and now different flavors in their tobacco products to try and gain new consumers that could potentially be life-long users. By knowing the dangers, risk factors, and marketing strategies associated with cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and the relatively new e-cigarettes young people will be aware of and able to… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand healthful ways to follow vegetarian diets by researching the different types and how to get enough nutrients while following each one. Introduction Ask the youth: Has anyone has heard of vegetarian diets? Do you know of anyone or do you follow a vegetarian diet? What do you… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the importance of hand-washing. Youth will learn how to wash their hands and color a worksheet with the  proper hand-washing steps. Introduction Germs are everywhere, but we can take action to reduce them and lower our chances of getting sick! Washing your hands is the easiest way… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson provides a visual example for young people of what happens to a living thing (in this case a plant) when it is hydrated with water vs. liquids with added ingredients such as sweeteners, flavors and colors. Introduction Every living thing needs water to survive. Nearly every system in your body depends… Read more

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Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand that the way they see things isn’t necessary the “truth” about the way they are. The youth will experience the impact a positive mindset can have, practice noticing subtle differences and cultivating an optimistic perspective. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the… Read more

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Lesson Overview Foods commonly eaten by kids are typically served in larger portions than what their bodies really need. This lesson uses MyPlate to help young people recognize how much of a meal should come from each food group. The youth will compare healthy portion sizes to common items. Instructor Notes Foods commonly eaten by… Read more

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