PL T5.01Peeling a Banana
The child pulls the peel off a banana in strips after the adult starts it, puts the peel in a bowl, and eats the banana.
Safety
- Check the school's allergy list before offering this or any food work.
- The child sits at the table to eat, with an adult within arm's reach, because eating while walking raises the choking risk.
- Children under 2 who put a large piece in their mouth get the banana broken into pieces by the adult, a few at a time on the plate.
Presentation
- 1
Check the allergy list. Invite the child and wash hands together at the low sink.
- 2
Help the child put on the apron. Carry the tray to the low table and sit beside the child.
- 3
Hold the banana up and say its name. Press the stem down until the peel splits at the top.
- 4
Pinch the edge of one strip and pull it slowly down to the bottom. The peel coming away in one strip is the point of interest.
- 5
Hand the banana to the child and point to the next strip. Wait while the child pulls it down.
- 6
Help only with the strip the child cannot start. Put each strip in the peel bowl, or wait while the child does.
- 7
Place the peeled banana on the plate. The child sits and eats it, breaking or biting off one piece at a time.
- 8
Wipe hands and mouth with the napkin. Put the peel in the compost and the tray back on the shelf together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- The child presses the stem down and starts the peel themselves
- Peel a banana from the bottom end by pinching the tip
- Peel a banana and give it to the adult to slice for the group
Control of error
Strips of peel left on the banana are visible; a banana squeezed too hard turns soft and brown where the fingers pressed.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Pulls every strip down to the bottom without help once the peel is started
- Puts the peel in the bowl, not on the table or floor
- Sits at the table to eat the banana