PL 6.01Spreading
The child spreads a soft food (butter, cream cheese, or a seed butter) on a cracker or bread with a butter knife.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child. Wash hands together and put on aprons.
- 2
Carry the tray to the table. Place a cracker on the plate.
- 3
Open the dish of spread. Hold the knife by the handle and scoop a small amount onto the tip.
- 4
Hold the cracker still with the fingers of your other hand, flat on the plate.
- 5
Draw the knife across the cracker, from one side to the other, turning the blade flat. Covering the cracker to the edges is the point of interest.
- 6
Wipe the knife on the rim of the dish. Close the lid.
- 7
Offer the cracker or eat it. Invite the child to spread one.
- 8
Wash the knife and plate (or place them in the dish-washing area) and wipe the tray.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Spread on soft bread, which tears more easily
- Spread two toppings on one cracker
- Prepare a plate of crackers to offer to classmates
Control of error
A broken cracker shows too much pressure; bare patches show where spread is missing.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Spreads to the edges without breaking the cracker
- Uses a small, controlled amount
- Cleans up the tray and utensils
Guide note
Check every child's food allergies before offering food works. Use a seed butter instead of nut butters in nut-free rooms.