Lettuce Love

All the lettuces please!

When you see these treasures at the market, are you thinking of your children?

Tearing lettuces - and washing, spinning, drying, too - is an incredible activity to offer them.

What do these gems from the garden have to offer?

So much sensory input - texture, color, shape, form, weight, scent, taste. Sensory development and cognition are deeply intertwined - natural, varied sensory experiences are essential for young children.

Fine motor refinement as your child develops muscle control to tear gently and in different sizes with a pincer grip.

Confidence that one can take care of oneself by preparing food.

A sense of contribution to the home and family when these greens are used in meals and snacks.

Appreciation for the invaluable work and contributions of others.

The capacity for concentration through meaningful activity.

More lettuce prep play dates for 2-6 year olds, please.

A few notes: set out a mat and be sure to show your child how to tear gently. Each type will require different levels of strength and dexterity, so model a few examples with care, using a three finger grip (thumb, index, middle, otherwise known as a pincer grip).

Have your child place in bag, bowl, or container to serve at a family meal!