Vegetable (Stone) Soup
Ingredients and
proportions are arbitrary. Let kids experience and enjoy vegetables.
Objectives
Children ages 4-5 years can describe the objects while naming
them using three descriptors: size, color, shape, texture Lang. IIIA
and they can use a knife SH I
Children 5 and under can recognize most of the letters of the alphabet
Children between 1 ¾-2 years can name several of the vegetables Lang. IB
And children ages 1-2 can imitate the words cutting, pouring, and
stirring Lang. IA
Materials
Vegetables: tomatoes,
potatoes, parsley, fresh peas in pod, carrots, zucchini, cabbage, celery,
onions, etc. Use any combination of these or others, but be sure to include
some which are easy to cut up (celery, zucchini) for younger children. Large
can of tomato sauce; l-2 cups alphabet noodles; consommé or bouillon cubes
(optional); salt; saltines. Knives; potato peelers (optional); large kettle;
stirring spoon; vegetable brushes; tray.
Procedures
l. Gather children around table. Show vegetables one at a time
and ask children to name and describe them. Discuss which part of the plant we
eat -- does that part grow under ground or above ground, leaf stalks, etc.
2. At the sink or in wash pans, let children take turns scrubbing vegetables
with vegetable brushes. (Wash vegetable well beforehand.)
3. Let children choose vegetables to peel or cut up. Encourage tasting and ask
children to compare texture and flavor.
4. After vegetables are diced, let children help pour tomato sauce into a large
kettle. Add consommé or bouillon and stir. Add vegetables and stir. Put on the
stove to simmer.
5. Pour alphabet noodles on the tray. Let children find letters they recognize.
Some children may be able to spell their name or other words.
6. After the soup has simmered for about l0 minutes, add the alphabet noodles.
(Add water if needed.) Simmer for l/2 hour or longer until noodles and
vegetables are cooked, stirring occasionally. Salt to taste.
7. Let the soup cool a bit and serve with saltines. While children are eating,
ask them to describe the differences in the vegetables and alphabet noodles
after being cooked. Variations 1.
Follow a similar
format to make fruit salad, using first 3 steps of the procedure. After fruit is cut up, place it in a colander
and rinse with boiling water to reduce germ count. Add a bit of mayonnaise or yogurt topping to
each serving. Kids can help. 2.
Using graters,
make carrot, apple, and raisin salad.
Try adding walnuts or sunflower seeds. 3.
Apple sauce – any
recipe is fine.
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