Mystery Food Adventure
Research shows that exposure to foods at an early age is crucial for
acceptance of a wide variety of foods. Further, it has been shown that
with increased number of exposure to foods, children will accept up to
98% of all foods introduced. This activity is a great opener for a food
tasting experience for young children. The following suggestion has been
tried in Manitoba and is a favorite of several Community Nutritionists.
Materials:
Instructions:
Procedure for activity:
Suggested Mystery Foods:
You may want to start «Tasting Journals» for the children to
record their food experiences.
- Large clean empty container with an opening large enough for children
to place their
hand through (e.g. milk carton) - Sock with the toe portion cut off
- Glue or masking tape
- Enough mystery food so that everyone can have a taste
- Apple
- Broccoli
- Bagel
- Kiwi
- Grapes
- If necessary, cut top off the chosen container to allow children’s
hands to fit comfortably into the container. - Fit one end of the sock over the outside rim of the container. Use
glue or masking tape to hold in place. This allows the contents to remain
hidden, when children slip their hands through the sock into the container. - Decorate the container with colorful pictures
- Place food in container.
- Explain to children that they will be identifying the food in the
mystery container by touching it, smelling it and listening to the sound
that it makes. - Tell them that they will have a chance to taste the food after solving
the mystery. - Begin by using familiar foods and progress to less familiar ones.