Besides monsters (see yesterday’s blogpost) another thing that can go in backpacks is snacks. Speaking of monsters, an easy snack to make is Monster Munch, aka Trail Mix. Here’s an idea that kids can help make and practice some readiness for kindergarten, too.
In a large bowl you and your child can mix together a small amount of some finger-food favorites such as: cheerios, cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds, fishy crackers, mini-pretzels, puffed wheat, pumpkin seeds, shreddies, corn puffs, tiny seaweed crackers, dried fruit, etc. Nuts are another possibility depending on allergies. Your child can happily stir these together. Once done, a few scoops in a reusable container should tame the monster’s snack appetite.
Cooking with kids helps develops all kinds of kindergarten readiness skills. For a start, at school children will need to be fairly self-reliant and independent when it comes to snack time. Having a snack that kids can make and serve themselves is one way to practice. Often, sequence in a recipe is very important, just like the skill. All these small items will help children develop fine-motor coordination as they pick out their favorites to eat first and continue with the rest. Kids also feel a sense of achievement at making something. This recipe also allows for a good measure of creativity. Can you serve this learning ?