Weekend Wonder: Toast and Jam
Life with a young child is so enriched by participation in simple quotidian experiences that are often overlooked.
It’s the little things that create some structure and purpose in a winter weekend.
That help your child develop into capability and independence.
That strengthen fine motor skills.
That allow for integration of the senses.
Like toast and jam.
Further benefits: concentration, presence, contribution.
One weekend, invite your child to make toast and jam for the family. Here’s how!
Set up an orderly space with your child. You’ll want a plate for slices of toast on the left, a dish of butter, a jar of jam, a cutting board, a butter knife or children’s knife for spreading, and a large plate or tray for completed toast.
Demonstrate how to spread butter, and then jam, on a slice of toast.
Invite your child to repeat after you to create breakfast toast for the family.
Appreciate outcome and place toast on table when complete.
Show your child how to bring dishes to the sink and clean as appropriate.
Sit down to breakfast toast and enjoy, celebrating your child’s contribution: “This is such lovely toast. I appreciate that you prepared this for us! Let’s sit down and enjoy some time together.’
Repeat!
Variations:
Cream cheese on bagels.
Sandwiches with different spreads and fillings, like butter, mayonnaise, or mustard and ham, hummus and tomatoes, or avocado and cucumber.
Enjoy!