When we do a kitchen activity, like making a smoothie with a toddler, we introduce them to new language. We are exposing them to the words for the ingredients and the equipment we use. And, we are exposing them to the names of concepts, such as measuring, pouring, mixing — and inevitably, wiping up spills.
Watch the video below for a toddler-friendly smoothie recipe and tips on preparing the environment for your child to help make the smoothie.
Materials Needed:
- strawberries
- yogurt
- orange juice
- ice cubes
- bananas
Equipment Needed
- blender
- child-sized pitcher (helpful for enabling child to pour)
- spoon or small rubber spatula
- small containers for mise en place*
*Mise en place means “everything in its place”. It’s a french cooking term and it aligns nicely with the Montessori approach to the adults role of preparing the environment.
With everything in its place before you begin a kitchen activity, a child can independently add ingredients together.
As your child’s attention span grows and their ability to carry out multiple steps increases with practice, you can do less setting up and include them in more of the process. For example, retrieving strawberries from a container, washing them, and removing the stems will add another level of detail to making a smoothie.
More practical life activities
Practical Life Activities: Making Fourth of July Food With Toddlers
Here’s a red, white, and blue snack project along with some tips for inviting your toddler to participate.
Practical Life: Empower Toddlers To Make Mother’s Day Pancakes With Just Two Ingredients
Mother’s Day is a learning opportunity. We’re introducing kitchen skills which include order, fine motor skills, plus grace and courtesy as we prepare a simple pancake breakfast for Mom.
How to Teach Young Children To Wash Hands Independently
Showing our toddlers different self-care activities is an important part of raising healthy kids. Watch this short video for tips on hand-washing instruction.
