Popcorn Fondue

You won’t believe what kids will eat! This project developed out of poor planning. Once, after making popcorn, we discovered we were out of butter. We rummaged through the kitchen for substitute seasonings. Kids disagreed about what to use so we tried everything we could find.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can describe the objects (food) using 3 attributes Lang. IIA
Children ages 3-4 can share idea’s and express feelings or preferences Lang. IIIA
Children between the ages of 2-3 can ask for more Lang. IIIA
and the children 1 and under can form a neat pincer grasp FM I
All the children can be taught to use the materials appropriately SE V

 
 
 

Materials

Popcorn and oil; popcorn popper; small paper plate for each child. Using a saucer or shallow bowl for each "dip", put two or three tablespoons of honey, mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, melted butter and peanut butter into bowls. It's best to have a complete set of dips at each end of the table for easy reach. Refill as needed during the project.

Procedures

1. With children helping, measure oil and popcorn into popper. Watch and listen as the popcorn pops.

2. Give each child a paper plate and some popcorn. Put dips on the table and ask children to guess what's in each bowl by looking and smelling only.

3. Let children dip popcorn and eat. Discuss flavors and preferences. Encourage each child to try every dip (at least once). There are no limits on the amount children may eat. One rule: only popcorn-- no fingers-- in the dips.

4. (Optional) While children are tasting, dipping, eating and talking, make extra popcorn (plain or buttered) for the rest of the class as a snack.