Mosaic Creations

Objective:

Children will become familiar with different types of whole grains by handling them in an arts and crafts project.

Various grains (oats, brown rice, popcorn kernels, whole wheat pasta, couscous, quinoa, amaranth, flaxseed, barley, wheat berries,)
Various dried beans (black eyed peas, soy beans, chick peas, kidney beans, black bean, pinto, lentils - packaged dry bean soup mix works well)
Sunflower seeds
Glue
Paper plates
Small bowls or cups
Optional: photo of each child

Distribute paper plates and have grains, beans and seeds available in bowls for children to share, or in individual cups. If desired, you can ask children to bring in grains from home, after discussing grains with them in your program. Tip: Discuss with children how beans are not considered part of the grain group, even though they are grown from plants and are high in fiber. Beans are part of the meats and beans food group, because they are high in protein.
If using photos, have each child paste his or her picture in the center of the plate.
Instruct the children to make a creation by gluing the various items to the plate.
While they handle the grains and other items, ask if anyone can identify the different grains, beans, and seeds.
Explain that whole grains have lots of flavor, fiber and nutrients; we should go for whole grains everyday!

Hang completed projects on the wall and have a "gallery walk" where children view other projects.