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SecondARY LESSON PLANS
Embracing Dietary Diversity: Allergies and Restrictions
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand common food allergies and sensitivities.
- Recognize the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs.
- Develop empathy and inclusivity towards individuals with allergies and dietary restrictions
Materials
- Visual aids (images of allergenic foods, dietary labels)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with information on common allergies and dietary restrictions
- Sample food labels and allergen warnings

Main Activities
Duration: 60 minutes
Introduction
(10 minutes)
- Start the lesson by discussing the importance of understanding and respecting dietary diversity.
- Explain that today, they will explore food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Activity 1 – Understanding Allergies and Sensitivities
(10 minutes)
- Define food allergies and sensitivities and explain that these are adverse reactions to specific foods.
- Discuss common food allergens (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs) and sensitivities (e.g., gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance).
- Present the differences between allergies and sensitivities in terms of symptoms and severity.
Activity 2 -Empathy and Accommodation
(15 minutes)
- Share real-life stories or case studies of individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Discuss the challenges they face and the importance of accommodating their dietary needs.
- Encourage students to brainstorm ways they can be supportive and inclusive of individuals with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Activity 3 – Reading Labels and Allergen Warnings
(15 minutes)
- Explain the significance of reading food labels and allergen warnings to identify allergenic ingredients.
- Show examples of food labels and allergen warnings, and discuss how to recognize allergenic ingredients.
Wrap-up and Discussion.
(5 minutes)
Summarize the key points of the lesson:
- What are food allergies and sensitivities, and why is it important to accommodate diverse dietary needs?
- Discuss how students can promote inclusivity and respect for individuals with allergies and dietary restrictions in their communities.
Homework
Assign students to research and prepare a short presentation on a specific food allergy or dietary restriction, including its prevalence, symptoms, and dietary considerations.
Assessment
Assess students’ understanding through their participation in class discussions and group activities. Review their homework presentations (if assigned) to gauge their knowledge of specific dietary needs and their ability to promote inclusivity.