Graham Cracker Brownies
Deciphering and recipe
cards is a challenging and fun pre-reading activity for the children. The product of their problem solving efforts
is a delicious one too!
Objectives
All children can help to read and follow the
directions for measurements in the pictures
Children between 4-5 years can describe the objects/foods using three
descriptions: color, smell and texture Lang. IIIA
Ages 3 and up can pour well into own bowl SH I
and Children 3 and younger can use the spoon spilling little SH I
Materials
1. Graham crackers;
honey; milk; chocolate or carob chips; salt; chopped nuts; margarine or oil.
2. Each ingredient should be in a labeled bowl or container which is convenient
for use with measuring spoons or cups.
3. Measuring equipment: spoons and cups for each child.
4. Small bowl and mixing spoon for each child.
5. Baking pans (9x9” will take 8 individual recipes).
6. Plastic bag for each child.
Procedures
1. Group
children around table, standing or sitting.
2. Give each child a plastic bag, wooden
spoon, and two large graham crackers. Instruct
them to put graham crackers in bag, hold bag shut and pound away with the
spoon. Have them empty the smashed
crackers (which should amount to 1/4 c. apiece) into their bowls.
3. Have the other ingredients in bowls
in the middle of the table or arranged in order at another table and tell the
children to put in their bowls as much of each thing as is shown on the card. (See Illustration.) Tell everyone to stir well. Discuss words like smash, pour, stir, mix,
grease. How many pieces did they smash their crackers into? Where does honey come from? How does it taste? How many chips or nuts in one spoonful? How many stirs to mix it well? How can you
tell it's mixed well? How does it look
as it cooks? What happens as it bakes?
4. As children finish mixing contents of bowls, they may grease together the
large baking pan and take turns pouring their bowl's contents into it. When one pan is full, bake at 350º for 30
minutes (for 9x9 pans).
5. Let children peek at the brownies while they are baking and discuss the
baking process.

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