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Life Skills
Section 1: Health and Wellbeing
Module 5:

Nutrition & Malnutrition

What You'll Learn?

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Explain the meaning of a balanced diet.
Identify causes and effects of malnutrition.
Promote healthy eating habits at school and home.
Participate in simple nutrition initiatives (gardens, fruit days).
Materials
Food charts or visuals
Samples of local foods
My Food Diary worksheet
Hand-washing supplies

Methodology

  • Demonstration
  • Discussion
  • Group work
  • Reflection

Introduction

A balanced diet includes energy-giving foods (rice, millet, cassava, oils), body-building foods (fish, beans, eggs, groundnuts), and protective foods (fruits and vegetables). Malnutrition causes tiredness, stunted growth, and poor learning. Iron and iodine deficiencies are common. Students can practise healthy habits — eating breakfast, drinking clean water, washing hands, and limiting fried snacks. School gardens, Mothers’ Clubs, and Change Maker initiatives can boost healthy eating and reduce waste.

Activities

Activity 1: Story – “Healthy Choices at Lamin Koto School”

Students used to buy only fried snacks. After a nutrition lesson, they grew vegetables in the school garden and started selling fruit cups and boiled eggs. Energy improved, and teachers noted better concentration. The club also taught families how to compost leftover waste for fertilizer.

  • What changed in the students’ habits?
  • How did teamwork improve health?
  • How can schools promote healthy eating?

Activity 2: Build a Balanced Plate

Using pictures or real food, students group items into energy-giving, body-building, and protective foods.

Follow-up: Start a “Healthy Snack Day” or small class garden.

Key Ideas

Nutrition:Food needed for health and growth.
Malnutrition:Lack or excess of nutrients.
Balanced Diet:Combination of energy, body-building, and protective foods.
Hygiene:Clean habits that prevent disease.

Key Messages

  • Nutrition fuels learning and growth.
  • Malnutrition can be prevented.
  • Small daily choices build a healthier school.

Assessment and Reflection

AreaTool / MethodExamples / Indicators
KnowledgeQuizIdentify three food groups.
AttitudesReflectionValues clean, healthy eating.
Skills / BehaviourDemonstrationPrepares balanced meal or snack plan.
Follow-upOne-week reviewReports one healthy change at home.

Finished this lesson? Mark it complete, then try the practice questions.