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.