April: Healthy plates, healthy lives

Rookies Cooking: Class Six April 24, 2025

OPENING

Please be prepared with your assignment:

Joshua	Choose and Lead Song
Melody	Prayer
Orson	Scripture/Thought
Brytt	Pledge of Allegiance
Conrad	Joke of the Day
Jacob	Lead Memorization
James	Show and Tell
Jayne	Treasurer
John	Snack

A Few Reminders:

Remember to bring your library books back.

Poem and Shuffle Dance

Don’t forget to practice your shuffle dance.

Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face

By Jack Prelutsky

Be glad your nose is on your face,

not pasted on some other place,

for if it were where it is not,

you might dislike your nose a lot.

(April 10)

Imagine if your precious nose

were sandwiched in between your toes,

that clearly would not be a treat,

for you’d be forced to smell your feet.

Your nose would be a source of dread

were it attached atop your head,

it soon would drive you to despair,

forever tickled by your hair.

(April 17)

Within your ear, your nose would be

an absolute catastrophe,

for when you were obliged to sneeze,

your brain would rattle from the breeze.

(April 24)

Your nose, instead, through thick and thin,

remains between your eyes and chin,

not pasted on some other place–

be glad your nose is on your face!

WELCOME BACK TO ROOKIES COOKING CLASS!

We started the year by watching Adventures of Junk Food Dude, and now, as we wrap up the school year, it’s time to watch it again! This will remind us of the important lessons we’ve learned and help us put them into action one last time.

Watch the story here: ADVENTURES OF JUNK FOOD DUDE

After watching, think about how Junk Food Dude’s life changed when he started eating real, healthy foods.

Now, we are going to take what we’ve learned and CREATE A MEAL PLAN that will help him continue his journey!

(MOMS! I thought this book was out of stock, but I just checked Amazon and it looks like there are some copies there if you would like one for your family: “Adventures of Junk Food Dude” ON AMAZON.)

MISSION: HELP JUNK FOOD DUDE!

Junk Food Dude used to feel sluggish, tired, and unhappy because of his food choices. Just like Green Smoothie Guy, your mission is to create a one-day meal plan that will help him eat real, nourishing food.

PRINT THIS MEAL PLAN and use it for the next part of your homework:

Draw a meal for JFD Download

Step 1: Build a Meal Plan for Junk Food Dude

Your plan should include:

A healthy breakfast to give him energy
A healthy lunch to keep him strong and focused
A healthy dinner to help him feel great

Think about what Junk Food Dude might normally eat and how you can improve it.

Example:

Instead of a donut for breakfast → A fruit smoothie and whole grain toast
Instead of fast food for lunch → A homemade sandwich with fresh veggies
Instead of greasy pizza for dinner → A delicious veggie stir-fry with brown rice

After you decide what meals to make, use these WORKSHEETS to draw pictures or write out a menu.

Make it healthy AND fun!

Step 2: Cook a Meal for Junk Food Dude

After planning, choose one meal from your plan and make it at home.

Ask for permission and help from a parent.
Notice how fresh food makes you feel.
Imagine explaining to Junk Food Dude why this meal is better for him.
Now, you get to eat the healthy meal you made, share it with your family!

Bonus: Take a picture of your meal and bring it to class!

Step 3: What did you learn?

Once you’ve completed your meal, answer these questions:

What meal did you choose to cook?
Why would this meal help Junk Food Dude?
What was fun or challenging about making it?
What did your family think?
Would you make it again?

CLASS PRESENTATIONS!

Next time we meet, be ready to share:

Your one-day meal plan for Junk Food Dude
The meal you cooked and why it’s better than junk food
What you learned about healthy eating

FINAL THOUGHTS

How to Be Well-Rounded and Healthy

Eating nutritious meals is important, but a truly healthy lifestyle includes more than just food! Here are some simple habits to help you feel your best:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat a variety of colors—more colors mean more nutrients!
Move your body every day—stretch, walk, dance, or play outside.
Take breaks from screens and get fresh air whenever you can.
Get enough sleep so your body and brain can recharge.
Practice gratitude by thinking of one thing you’re thankful for each day.
Slow down and enjoy your food—eating too fast can upset your stomach.
Spend time with family or friends during meals when possible.
Wind down before bed with a book or quiet time instead of screen time.

These small habits, along with healthy eating, will help you feel strong, happy, and full of energy—just like Green Smoothie Guy!

CHOOSE ONE IDEA TO TRY THIS WEEK.

I have loved being your teacher this year and I am so proud of your hard work! And I am grateful for what I have learned from you.

Love,

Traci

P.S. Here’s your CHECKLIST for this week!

Rookies