Activity: “Food Talk”

Desired Outcome: As I listen and talk in different situations, I am learning to take turns and am developing my awareness of when to talk and when to listen.

Curriculum Area: Languages (Scottish Curriculum)

Level: Early Level

Focus: Foods

Materials Needed: 1. Picture cards of various foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, snacks, drinks) 2. A large poster or chart paper 3. Sticky notes or small pieces of paper 4. Marker pens

Introduction: 1. Begin by discussing the importance of listening and taking turns when talking. 2. Explain that in this activity, children will have the opportunity to practice listening and talking about different foods.

Activity Steps:

1. Food Sorting: a. Display the picture cards of various foods on a table or the floor. b. Ask the children to sort the food cards into two categories: “Healthy Foods” and “Treat Foods.” c. Encourage the children to take turns discussing why they placed each food card in a particular category. d. Emphasize the importance of listening to others’ opinions and taking turns to speak.

2. Food Tasting: a. Prepare a small selection of different foods for the children to taste (e.g., apple slices, carrot sticks, cheese cubes, crackers). b. Provide each child with a sticky note or a small piece of paper and a marker pen. c. Ask the children to taste each food and write or draw their thoughts about the taste on the sticky note. d. Encourage the children to take turns sharing their thoughts with the group, one food at a time. e. Remind them to listen attentively to their peers and wait for their turn to speak.

3. Food Preferences: a. Create a large poster or chart paper divided into two columns: “Favorite Foods” and “Least Favorite Foods.” b. Ask each child to choose their favorite and least favorite food from the ones they tasted. c. Invite the children to take turns sharing their choices and reasons, placing their picture cards under the appropriate column on the poster. d. Encourage the children to listen to their peers’ choices and reasons, respecting their opinions.

4. Food Descriptions: a. Select a few food picture cards and place them face down on the table. b. Ask one child to pick a card and describe the food without revealing its identity. c. The other children take turns guessing the food based on the description. d. Encourage the child describing the food to listen to the guesses and provide feedback. e. Rotate the roles, allowing each child to have a turn describing and guessing.

Conclusion: 1. Recap the importance of listening and taking turns when talking. 2. Discuss how the children practiced these skills during the activity. 3. Encourage the children to continue practicing good listening and turn-taking in their daily conversations.

Extension: 1. Encourage children to create their own food-related stories or dialogues, taking turns to speak and listen. 2. Provide opportunities for children to engage in role-play activities, such as pretending to be a chef or a customer in a restaurant, where they can practice listening and talking in different food-related situations.