Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the colors and the events that take place around this time. We are getting ready to make homemade applesauce in the classroom, and we are going to try all the different types of squash and potatoes while in small group.  Remember, toddlers learn through their senses. The set up for these small groups is easy and this is great way to introduce new foods.

Let me take you through the process. First, I gather everything I need.

Materials:

1 tray

1 raw sweet potato cut in half

1 baked sweet potato (cool to the touch)

Spoons for children

Small bowls for children

1 serving spoon

Wet wipes and paper towel for handwashing

Next, I put each item on the tray in an organized manner and cover it with a towel. I cover the tray when working with more than a few children to prevent them from touching it before we are ready. Also, I want the children to come over and see what I reveal to them. Toddlers are so curious that they usually walk right over and sit down. Once the children are sitting down, I pass out wet wipes. I use a wet wipe too and exaggerate my motions while cleaning my hands. Sometimes, I sing a song about handwashing. After the children dry their hand with a paper towel, I peek under the towel. I ask them if they’d like to see what’s under the towel, too. This tactic really gets the toddlers to focus.

Then, it’s time to use our senses. I pick up the raw sweet potato, both halves. I show the children. I tell them what I’m holding. I describe the sweet potato and pass both halves around. I ask the children to smell the sweet potato, to feel it, and to look at it. Once I have the sweet potato back I set it on the tray.

It’s time to taste. I tell the children that I baked another sweet potato. I show them. I ask them if they would like a taste. Using my serving spoon I begin to scoop the baked sweet potato into small bowls. I add the spoons and begin to pass out the goods. I always ask each child again if they would like to try a taste.

Some children gobble up the sweet potatoes and some children make a face and hand them back. Remember, when introducing a new food it takes several tries before the child will begin to like it. By the end of the presentation the sweet potato is gone. I always have four or five children wanting more. When the children are done, I collect all the bowls and spoons, organize the items on the tray, and cover the tray with the towel. I thank the children for helping me try a new food and ask them if they’d like to have sweet potatoes for snack. The answers vary, but our group time is pretty successful when food is involved.

Try this with your children at home sometime. Remember to ask questions about texture, taste, and color. At home, you can start the experience by shopping for food items. Pick a time when you’re not rushed and enjoy the food experience, toddler style.

Sincerely,

Kristy

Image Credit – Google Image