PL T5.05Spreading on a Cracker
The child scoops a small amount of a soft spread with a butter knife, spreads it on a sturdy cracker, and eats it.
Safety
- Check the school's allergy list before offering this or any food work; spreads often contain milk, wheat, sesame (hummus), peanuts, or tree nuts.
- Nut butters and seed butters are spread thinly on the cracker and never eaten from a spoon or knife; the AAP lists spoonfuls of peanut butter as a choking food for children under 4.
- In a nut-free room use only spreads the school's nut-free rule allows.
- The adult portions a small amount into the dish so the child cannot take a large lump.
Presentation
- 1
Check the allergy list. Invite the child, wash hands together, and put on aprons.
- 2
Place one cracker flat on the plate. Hold it still with the fingertips of one hand at its edge.
- 3
Hold the knife by the handle. Scoop a small amount of spread onto the tip of the blade.
- 4
Draw the flat of the blade across the cracker from one side to the other. The cracker turning a new color is the point of interest.
- 5
Scoop a little more and cover the bare parts. Wipe the knife on the edge of the dish.
- 6
Put the knife down on the tray. Place a cracker on the plate and invite the child to spread.
- 7
The child sits and eats the cracker, or offers it to a friend or the adult.
- 8
Carry the knife, dish, and plate to the washing area together and wipe the tray.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Spread on soft bread, which tears if pressed too hard
- Spread two crackers and offer one to a friend
- Spread on a cracker and add banana slices the child has cut
Control of error
A broken cracker shows too much pressure; bare patches show where spread is missing; spread left in a lump shows the blade was not drawn across.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Takes a small amount of spread on the knife, not a large lump
- Covers most of the cracker without breaking it
- Puts the knife down on the tray when finished