Every year, I have my class make banana pudding. This is a “cooking” activity, as well as a fine motor activity because the children have practice slicing the bananas with a knife. This is one of their favorite activities because they love to slice the bananas!
We use dull edge knives, such as butter knives. Plastic knives might work , but I like to use the sturdier, metal ones. They can be purchased in many discount stores at 4 for $1.00.
Ingredients:
Bananas (one half per child)
Vanilla Pudding (one cup per child)
Vanilla Wafers (about 4-5 mini vanilla wafers per child)
Whipped Topping (optional)
Other Materials:
Dull Knives
Plastic Spoons
Paper Plates
Wet Wipes and/or Napkins
Cups or Bowls
Directions:
- First, have the kids put vanilla wafers in a clear punch cup (the mini vanilla wafers are great for this).
- Second, spoon the vanilla pudding from a pudding cup to their punch cup, on top of the vanilla wafers.
- Third, slice half a banana and put the slices in the cup.
- Optional: Add some whipped topping.
- Enjoy!
More Slicing:
To extend slicing practice, add some slicing activities to your centers. You can find educational toys made especially for this where children can cut fruit or cut a sandwich. The toys are made with Velcro to attach the play food together and then children use a dull knife to slice the food apart. These make a great fine motor addition to the House Center.
I’d love to hear from you! What are some slicing activities you have done in your classroom? Share in the comments.
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