Healthy Habits Lesson Plan Healthy Habits Exploration
Grade 3 • 30 Minute Lesson
Lesson Objective
Students will identify basic healthy habits (eating, physical activity, sleep) and understand why they are essential for growing bodies.
Required Materials
Post-it notes & Crayons
"My Healthy Habits" Worksheet
"Habit Relay" Activity Cards
Cones or markers for relay
Classroom Slide Deck
Why This Lesson Matters
This lesson introduces young students to the concept of health and wellness, encouraging them to make positive choices early on. By focusing on simple, actionable habits like eating fruits/veggies, playing actively, and sleeping enough, we empower them to take charge of their own energy and well-being.
Lesson Steps
5m Intro
Introduction: What is Healthy?
Start with a simple question: "What do you think are healthy habits?"
Write their ideas on the board (e.g., brushing teeth, eating apples, running).
Briefly discuss that habits are things we do every single day to stay strong.
5m Activity
Habit Brainstorm
Divide students into small groups and provide post-it notes and crayons.
Ask them to draw or write down one healthy habit they already know.
Have groups share one or two drawings with the class and stick them on a "Habit Wall."
5m Discuss
The Big Three: Eat, Play, Sleep
Use the discussion guide to talk about Eating Well, Playing Hard, and Sleeping Deeply.
Ask: "How does your body feel after a good night's sleep versus staying up late?"
Address challenges: "What makes it hard to eat veggies?"
10m Activity
Healthy Habit Relay
Set up a simple course with cones. Place the Habit Cards face down at the far end.
Divide students into teams. One at a time, students run to the end, pick a card, and perform the action (e.g., "Jump 3 times").
They run back and tag the next teammate. The goal is movement and fun!
5m Exit
Daily Choice Closure
Ask students to share one habit they will try starting today.
Distribute the "My Healthy Habits" worksheet for students to take home or finish in class.
Healthy Habits Discussion Guide Habit Talk
Guided Discussion: Why Habits Matter
1 Why is it important to have healthy habits?
Encourage students to think about their energy, their focus in class, and how they feel when they wake up.
"How do you feel after you eat a big bowl of fruit compared to a big bag of candy?"
"Why does our body need 'fuel' to play outside?"
2 What are some challenges you might face?
Discuss why it's sometimes hard to make the healthy choice.
"What happens when you are busy and forget to drink water?"
"Is it hard to go to bed early when you are having fun playing a game?"
3 How can you overcome these challenges?
Brainstorm strategies for remembering and choosing healthy habits.
"Could you use a chart or a sticker board to track your sleep?"
"Who is someone you can ask for help when you want to try a new vegetable?"
My Healthy Habits Worksheet Student Name
Date
My Healthy Habits
Let's make a plan to keep our bodies strong and happy!
1. Fuel Up!
Draw or write three healthy foods (fruits or vegetables) you will eat this week:
2. Move Your Body
Draw or write one fun activity you will do every day (like dancing or playing tag):
3. Power Down
How many hours will you sleep each night? (Hint: 9 to 11 hours is perfect for you!)
___
Hours
Draw yourself dreaming here!
Healthy Habit Relay Cards Healthy Habit Relay Cards
Cut these out for the relay activity!
Crunch Time!
Pretend to eat a crunchy, juicy apple!
Energy Blast
Jump in the air 3 times as high as you can!
Power Nap
Close your eyes and take 2 deep "sleeping" breaths.
Quick Feet
Run in place for 5 seconds!
Hydration Station
Pretend to take 3 big gulps of refreshing water!
Brain Boost
Touch your head and then your toes 3 times!
