Sandwiches could be one of the first things you teach kids to prepare on their own in the kitchen. Since it is easier to make and has simple steps, kids can quickly pick up the pattern. This is also a fun activity that keeps your kids engaged and interested.

Learning to make a sandwich on their own is a great life skill for the kids. It does not just educate your kids about the ingredients. Learning to make a sandwich is considered a math skill too.

With so many benefits, it’s time to teach kids some sandwich techniques. Read the article to understand the process and different steps to teach kids to make their own sandwiches.

Teach kids to make their own sandwiches.

Collect the necessary ingredients and gear up for the fun activity with the kids. You can gather your supplies based on the sandwich you are planning to make. Suppose you make a Peanut butter sandwich with jelly. You can collect the necessary items along with bread.

It is best to ensure that the kitchen space is clean and that there are no harmful items within your child’s reach. Then, get a plate ready, and you are ready to start the actual process.

You should help your child understand the process of making a sandwich. You can first brief them on the process slowly by pointing to the ingredients and then guide them by asking what they should do in each step.

The easiest way to do this is by creating a sequence-related activity. Also known as sequence language, the process helps children remember what to add after each step. For example, they know the sequence of what to begin with, what next, and what’s last. Teaching them in this way helps them follow an orderly fashion.

Here is an example.

Suppose you take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You should follow these steps.

• Step 1: Where to begin? Take a plate
• Step 2: What to do next after taking a plate? Get out the bread and put it on the plate.
• Step 3: What next? Apply peanut butter on both sides of bread slices
• Step 4: Then? Add the jelly to it
• Step 5: What’s last? Put the slices together.

Your child is all set to enjoy the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

PS: It is good if the child follows the same order. If they do it differently, do not stop them. Instead, encourage them and try to have as much fun as possible. In addition, you could also talk to them about the benefits of sandwiches, peanut butter, etc.

Different types of sandwiches you can make

Spinach Waffle Sandwich

This is the combination of beauty and brains, healthy and tasty. Kids love waffle sandwiches, and you can make them with spinach for a healthier version. You could make a piece of grilled cheese in a waffle iron and add the ingredients you want.

Toasted Egg Sandwich

Another basic yet healthy sandwich is the toasted eggs and bagel sandwich. Adding eggs to the sandwiches means they consume more protein. In addition, it gives a wonderful flavor as it goes well with tomatoes and other ingredients.

Peanut Butter Sandwich

It is one of the simplest sandwiches to make. Add strawberries or other fruits to it. It is fun to make and tasty to eat.

Other varieties to try

You can choose different options based on your needs and what your kid likes. For instance, you can try bagels, rolls, french bread, English muffins, and others instead of bread. Similarly, you can choose a spread instead of peanut butter like almond butter, sun-butter, pecan butter, or some hummus. Even when it comes to veggies and fruits, you can pick one based on your kid’s liking. For example, you can choose jam, apple or banana slices, cucumbers, peppers, sprouts, olives, and several other ingredients. Also, do not forget to get the protein in the sandwich. This could be eggs, tuna, nut butter, hummus, deli meat, or chicken.

This is the time for conversations

When you show them each ingredient required to make a sandwich, you can strike a conversation that helps them understand their tastes. For instance, you can ask them if they like peanut butter. You could also make this a very learning and productive process by telling them some interesting facts about the ingredients and asking them how to use them.

Try without real food

If you do not want your kids to start with real foods and knives as of now, you can opt to make cardboard or plastic food sandwiches. You can follow the same method, but you could use cardboard fillings. It is similar to doing the real thing, except it’s not. But it could still give the same learning experience and feeling of satisfaction.

Benefits of teaching kids to make their own sandwiches

• The kids’ confidence grows as they get skilled and learn to prepare different things.
• When they are ready to make sandwiches on their own, it gives them a sense of independence.
• It creates a sense of self-sufficiency.
• It is a life skill that will go a long way in helping them survive and lead better lives.
• It makes them aware of the healthy choices they could make.
• It helps them understand the concept of food and where it comes from.
• It teaches them to make their own meal when required and shows the advantages of choosing to make their own meal over ordering outside.

Ready for some songs?

Many suggest you play a video or song like “Let’s Make A Sandwich” by Maple Leaf Learning or “Are you Hungry?” by Super Simple Songs. This makes the process more fun and interactive. In addition, singing the songs helps them understand the process better. You can also ask them to choose the ingredients a few times after you have taught them.

Get together to do some drawings

You can write down or draw the recipe along with the kids. You can ask the kid to draw a picture of the ingredients, and the steps they followed. Drawing the recipes makes them remember them better, and they would like the process of making sandwiches even more.