For Ages: 4–8
Time: About 45–60 minutes
Big Idea: Explore different leafy greens together, learn what they do for plants and our bodies, and cook up a tasty snack!
What You’ll Need:
Leaf Activity:
- 3 kinds of leafy greens (like spinach, kale, chard, or lettuce)
- Paper and crayons or pencils
- A plate or tray to display the greens
Cooking Activity (optional):
- 1–2 big handfuls of one leafy green (spinach or kale works great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- A little garlic (optional)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spoon
- Small bowls or plates for tasting
Part 1: Look, Touch, Smell, Taste!
- Pick 3 leafy greens and place them on a plate.
- Let your child explore each leaf one at a time.
- What color is it?
- Is it soft or rough?
- Big or small?
- Smell it—what does it remind them of?
- (Optional) Take a little taste—do they like it?
- Draw the leaves! Have your child draw each leaf and maybe even name them something silly.
- Talk about why plants have leaves:
- Leaves help plants make food from sunlight (kids can think of it as the plant’s kitchen).
- Some leaves are food for us and animals!
- Leaves can protect the plant and look pretty too!
Part 2: Let’s Cook Some Greens!
- Wash hands together.
- Heat the pan (grown-up job!).
- Add olive oil, then your leafy greens.
- Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the greens shrink and get soft.
- Add a little salt or garlic if you like.
- Let it cool a bit, then taste it together!
- What does it taste like now that it’s cooked?
- Do they like it better raw or cooked?
Extra Fun:
- Watch together: Look up a short kids’ video like Ed Said: Leafy Greens (YouTube).
- Read a story: Try Sylvia’s Spinach—a cute book about trying something new.
Discussion Topics:
- Leaves help plants make food.
- Some leaves are healthy and yummy for us to eat!
- Leafy greens come in lots of colors and textures.
- You can eat them raw or cooked.
Activity originally created by National Ag in the Classroom
