Salad Bar

 

I set up a super-simple, impromptu "salad bar" tonight for Jack.

 

Then I made a quick chart for him and showed him how to use it. He took our orders by reading down the chart: "Mom, do you want lettuce?" "Dad, do you want tomatoes?" and making his mark in the corresponding box.

 

Then he prepared and served us our "made to order" salads. This activity couldn't have been easier, but it gave him such great satisfaction. And apparently veggies are much tastier when you are the guy in charge of the salad bar.

Jack helps to cook a lot of things at home, but this was his first try at taking orders. A chart like this is really empowering for pre-writers. Just by making simple marks, they are actually able to "write" a lot of information. One simple stroke, placed in the correct box, can mean "Mom wants cucumbers on her salad." That's a pretty big idea for a little kid.

Now if I could only get him to prepare and serve the rest of the meal... 

Comments

[Amy @ Let's Explore]

I love this! My girls take lots of pretend "orders," but this would be such a hit with them. Thanks for the idea!

[Mariah@Playful Learning]

What a great idea! We will have to try it...

[Erin Goodman]

I found my way over here via the artful parent and just wanted to say hello. I LOVE this idea (and all the other creative ideas you've shared here). Thank you!!

[Jessica]

My daughter loves to help with dinner. I love this idea. And i love your blog...i just found it and I am very inspired - Thank you.

[Nicole]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your website and have recently introduced my sister, who is a 3rd grade teacher, to your site. Today I'm not going to stop until I've read every single post! Winter is approaching soon and you have so many wonderful creative ideas. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[Jennifer]

Oh, Nicole. How you brightened my day with your kind words. Thanks a
million. I hope you keep stopping by!

Best regards,
Jen