Submitted by Dawn Bray, Belgrade, Montana
Idea posted February 10, 2009
I revised the narration of "The Food Pyramid" from Music K-8, Vol. 15, No. 2 to reflect the current USDA pyramid and portion suggestions for children. To introduce the song and the food pyramid, I made a large paper pyramid and laid it on the floor. Each child chose a piece of plastic food from a selection I had bought. They identified it and placed it on the pyramid in the correct group. Next, I taught the chorus of the song, and children developed actions for it. Then, I asked students to read the narration. Individuals volunteered to read sections for our nutrition performance. During the performance, a child pointed to a large poster of the new pyramid as narrators read about each group. You can order some great free materials from the Team Nutrition web site.
I simplified the narration and divided it into small sections, so 2-4 children could narrate each verse. My third graders handled it with a little practice. It was a big hit! See below for narration.
CHORUSVerse One: A: The food pyramid is a graphic chart of food groups. And yes, it really is shaped like a pyramid! B: The NEW food pyramid divides foods into six vertical wedges. The wider a section appears, the more servings of that food group we should eat. C: The orange group is called the GRAIN GROUP. It includes bread, rice, cereal, and pasta. These are good sources of carbohydrates, which our bodies use for energy. D: We should eat six one-ounce servings each day. One ounce equals a slice of bread, one cup dry cereal, or 1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal.
CHORUS
Verse Two: E: The VEGETABLE GROUP is green on the Food Pyramid, and the FRUIT GROUP is red. Both of these groups provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which our bodies need to function properly. F: To help us feel good, we should eat 2-1/2 cups of VEGETABLES every day. Choose from dark green, orange, starchy, dry beans and peas, or other veggies. We should also eat 1-1/2 cups of FRUIT every day.
CHORUS
Verse Three: G: The MILK CROUP is blue on the Food Pyramid. It includes milk, yogurt, and cheese-good sources of calcium and protein. We should eat 3 cups of milk products each day. H: The MEAT GROUP is purple on the pyramid. We should eat 5 ounces of the MEAT GROUP each day. One ounce equals 1 ounce of meat, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 egg, 1/2 ounce of nuts, or 1/4 cup of dried beans.
CHORUS
Verse Four: I: FATS, OILS, AND SWEETS don't really make up a food group, but they are included in the Food Pyramid. Notice that the yellow section is quite narrow, so we should only eat very little of these things. J: The person walking up the side of the pyramid reminds us to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days. To feel our very best, we should exercise AND follow the Food Pyramid!
CHORUS