Food prep is an essential Practical life activity that teaches a child self-care, independence and builds motor skills.
Some simple activities that children as young as 3 can do in a Montessori classroom are slicing apple, chopping pears, orange juicing, spreading butter/jelly on bread etc.
The choppers that I use in my classroom are from Montessori services – they are not sharp, easy for child to hold , chop & clean.
Best part is they are not expensive !
Basic things required for food prep :
- Plastic tray
- chopping board
- chopper or juicer
- plate or cup
- Container with lid to hold food
- tongs for children to serve the food from container onto the chopping board.
We set up containers with food on food prep shelf in the morning, children can choose to do any activity available , can chop/juice as many as they want to( of course, one at a time, eat or drink that before bringing the next piece).
http://www.montessoriservices.com/wavy-chopper
http://www.montessoriservices.com/vegetable-chopper-with-wooden-handle
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