Healthy Living

• No Lamination Required.
• Printed on Premium Thick Plastic, Cut and all corners rounded.
  
• Puzzle Pieces are printed on premium 1/8" acrylic and ready to use.
• This material is ready to start using. No other prep work is needed.

The Healthy Living curriculum by ETC Montessori introduces young learners (ages 3-6) to essential concepts of health, nutrition, hygiene, and safety. Designed with a hands-on Montessori approach, this program encourages children to develop lifelong habits that support physical well-being, emotional balance, and responsible decision-making.

Through engaging activities, sorting exercises, and interactive discussions, children will explore the foundations of a balanced diet, the importance of personal hygiene, and the role of safety in daily life. The curriculum aligns with the Montessori philosophy by fostering independence, self-awareness, and respect for the environment and one's own body.

• Includes Teacher's Notes with Lessons
• Cards are printed on thick plastic, cut and corners rounded
• Puzzle pieces are printed on thick premium 1/8" acrylic. 
• Color coded for easy identification
• Isolation of difficulty and self-correcting features. 

Key Areas of Learning:

1. Understanding Health and Nutrition

• What does being healthy mean?

  • Introduction to feeding and protecting the body.
  • Exploring the importance of structured meal times.
  • Hands-on activities such as food sorting and meal planning.

• Identifying the Five Food Groups (Ages 4-5)

  • Children learn about fruit, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy.
  • They work with replicas or images to categorize foods accordingly.
  • Encourages awareness of how different food groups help the body grow.

• Eating a Balanced Meal (Ages 4-5)

  • Learning portion control with interactive food plate puzzles.
  • Discussions about breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices.
  • Understanding the importance of variety and proportion in meals.

• Meals with the Five Food Groups (Ages 5+)

  • Deconstructing composite meals (e.g., tacos, parfaits, and salads).
  • Encourages critical thinking about food combinations.
  • Helps children recognize balanced and unbalanced meal structures.

• What Parts of the Plant Do We Eat? (Ages 5+)

  • Sorting foods by plant parts (stems, roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds).
  • Reinforces botanical knowledge and its connection to nutrition.
  • Provides a real-world application through gardening and food choices.

2. Hygiene and Personal Care

• Taking Care of Our Bodies (Ages 5+)

  • Children explore personal hygiene habits:
    • Bathing and washing hands.
    • Brushing teeth and visiting the dentist.
    • Exercising and visiting the doctor.
  • Encourages self-care routines that promote lifelong well-being.

• Keeping Ourselves Healthy and Safe (Ages 5+)

  • Set 1: Sorting healthy vs. unhealthy habits (e.g., drinking soda vs. drinking water).
  • Set 2: Making choices for emotional and mental health, such as talking about feelings.
  • Helps children recognize how daily choices affect their well-being.

• Keeping Ourselves Safe (Ages 5+)

  • Understanding safe vs. unsafe situations.
  • Real-world applications, such as wearing seat belts and handling tools safely.
  • Encourages children to develop awareness and responsibility.

3. Emotional Growth and Responsibility

• Fixing Our Mistakes (Ages 5+)
  • Developing a positive mindset by recognizing and correcting mistakes.
  • Activities include sorting images of behaviors and their appropriate resolutions.
  • Encourages resilience and accountability in young learners.

Montessori Approach & Benefits

• Hands-On Learning: Engaging activities, sorting exercises, and interactive discussions help children internalize concepts.
• Independence & Decision-Making: Encourages children to make choices about food, hygiene, and safety with confidence.
• Real-World Application: Lessons connect to everyday experiences, promoting healthy habits that last a lifetime.
• Holistic Development: Integrates physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, aligning with Montessori principles.

SUGGESTED CONTAINERS

1 Clear Open Container - small or equivalent, and
1 Acrylic Bin, or
1 Deep Box with Hinged lid