Food Sorting

How to play this game

We all know that we must eat and drink to survive. We also know that some foods are better for us than others. This activity has been designed to help children think about what they are eating and drinking and how it affects their lives.

Children can learn from an early age what foods are healthy and those that are not so good for us. Being exposed to healthy eating habits and learning about good, nutritional food types are extremely important for all children. Good habits learnt at an early age are likely to continue into adulthood.

When this activity opens, the screen has three plates. They represent "eat all the time", "eat sometimes" and "don't eat".

Below the plates are twelve small pictures of food and other items. Children can click and drag the items onto the plates. If items are placed correctly they will stay on the plate. If not, they will bounce back into line.

When all items have been placed, applause will sound and twelve new items will appear.

To exit, click on the small hand in the lower right corner of the screen.

Related Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

Developmental skills

Identification of everyday items

Identification of food items

Concept of healthy eating

Understanding of what is not edible

Decision-making

Mouse control - single click

Mouse control - click and drag

Teaching tips

In this activity the aim is to place various items into three groups:

• Eat all the time - foods that are beneficial for our health and can be eaten frequently.
• Eat sometimes - foods that are not as good for our health and should be eaten only sometimes.
• Don't eat - items that are not food and should not be eaten.

Symbols above the plates visually reinforce the plate types. Plate names are announced when twelve new items appear and will be repeated when the plates are clicked. Encourage children to click on the plates if they forget the plate types.

Talk with children about each item and whether it is good or not so good for our health. Here are some other topics.

• What are their favourite foods? Are they always or sometimes foods?
• What could happen to us if we eat "sometimes" foods all the time?
• What are their favourite things to eat and drink? When would they usually eat such food?
• Are some of the foods eaten on special occasions? Which ones are they and what are some of those occasions?
• Talk about the importance of hydration and healthy drinking habits. Eg water, milk and fruit juices versus soft drinks.