Planning a well-balanced meal is child's play with this wooden set. Items from the five food groups--including watermelon, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, and much more--are crafted of solid wood and come with four wooden baskets for sorting and storage.

• Ask the child to identify each food item (other than condiments) and to categorize it by basic food group: meat, dairy, grain, or fruits and vegetables. Ask the child to place each food group in a different crate.
• Have the child identify the colors of each food item, and sort the items by color among the four crates.
• Help the child to assemble a balanced meal in each basket. Explain that each meal must have one item from each food group.
• Visual memory skills: Place 3-4 ingredients in front of the child. Let the child study them before asking the child to close their eyes while you remove one piece. Ask the child which piece was removed. Gradually increase the number of ingredients.