Food Education for Kids

Caterpillars and Watermelon Butterflies, Snack Activity for Kids

3/23/2017

Spring is in the air! It always arrives a little later than the calendar date in my neck of the woods. We are excited to see critters crawling and flying as trees bud, and life emerges from winter's grasp. What better way to discuss how creatures change than a lesson on caterpillars and butterflies! This lesson is reinforced with a Snackster Sam approved snack!

Caterpillars and Watermelon Butterflies are incredibly easy to make (no worries about Pinterest fails) and will get children excited about eating and trying new fruits and vegetables.

Things you'll need:
Round Toothpicks
Watermelon
Grapes or Cherry Tomatoes
Blueberries or Raisins

Directions:
First, lay out all of your items. Carefully cut some of the toothpicks in half (you'll use these for antennas).

Next, ask the children to help string the grapes or tomatoes onto a toothpick. About 3 of each will fit on one toothpick. Feel free to mix and match for a multi-colored caterpillar! Using the halved toothpicks, place them at one end of the caterpillar. Cover the end with either blueberries or raisins.

To make the butterfly, cut about 3/4 inch slices of watermelon. A mini watermelon will be easiest to cut, but any size watermelon will work. Using a knife, cut away triangle-like shapes on each side to reveal a butterfly shape. Decorate the butterfly with blueberries or raisins. Add antennas as you did for the caterpillars.

To make the conversation even more fun, create a scene with lettuce or other greenery. Snap peas can represent cocoons, too. After you admire your creation, dig in and enjoy it!

Spring Snack Activity for Kids by Snackster Sam

Learn more about Snackster Sam in the lovable, rhyming children's book that helps kids make better food choices.

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Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!

Why You Should Play with Your Food - Tricks to Get Picky Eaters to Eat

1/9/2017

One great way to get picky eaters to try new foods is to let them create works of edible art!

First, go to the grocery store with children in tow. Let them pick out some fruits and vegetables, and encourage them to try something new. (What's an ugli fruit? What about a pomegranate? Is Jicama a fruit or a vegetable and does it taste good?! -- There are so many fun things to try!)

Try to choose fruits and vegetables that are in season. (TIP: Usually what's in season is also on sale)

MONSTER SNACKS
Items you'll need:
Various fruits and/or vegetables
Toothpicks
Peanut butter or SunButter (if you have a peanut allergy)
Raisins, googly eyes (get this at the craft store), blueberries, cranberries, or any small fruit, berry, or vegetable

Directions:
Cut up the fruits and vegetables you are using. Keep some items large. Spread out the food on the table with the other ingredients and invite the children to the table. Explain to the children that they can actually PLAY with their food! Using the toothpicks and adhesive (peanut butter or SunButter), create monsters, sculptures, and whatever they can imagine with the food. While they are working, talk about where and how each food grows. (This is especially fun if you purchased tropical fruits! Do you know how pineapples grow, for instance? Have Google nearby!) Use the small fruit or googly eyes to make the creature really come to life! When they are satisfied with their work of art, they can eat it! Picky eaters will be more excited to try their creation!

Leftover creatures and structures can be placed in an airtight container and enjoyed the next day.

Enjoy!
Snackster Sam

p.s. Check out these snack creations from our recent party!

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