MyPlate Mania: Games that School Kids on Nutrition
It’s no secret that adults want kids to eat well. Why else would parents extol the virtues of spinach and risk dinnertime debates with their picky eaters? The trick is turning children into active participants in their own food choices.
We love MyPlate Kids’ Place, an online treasure trove of fun, nutrition-focused games and activities that introduce kids to the five food groups and the importance of eating well. Check out a few of our favorites, below:
Trainer
Inspired by Pokémon, Trainer actually gets kids up and moving alongside their virtual creatures, all in an effort to earn the next trophy. At the start of the game, players take on the responsibility of caring for creatures who all have dietary and fitness needs. What makes this game stand out is that the players must train alongside their creature as they advance through the different levels – so kids are getting active too.
Food Hero
It’s not always easy for kids to understand the impact their food and physical activity choices have on how they feel each day. Food Hero illustrates how healthy choices can affect energy levels, emotions and everyday wellness.
Activity Sheets
Got a printer? If you’re in need of a quiet time activity, MyPlate has a ton of Activity Sheets. Kids can use their detective skills to crack the Secret Code found in clever nutritious sentences that drive home the importance of fruits and veggies.
They can also find their favorite fruits and veggies (FNVs) in the MyPlate word search:
