Banana | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

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Here are two great activities for parents and/or teachers of preschoolers.

I pulled them from my award-winning book that is filled with hundreds of simple craft projects and easy healthful recipes just like these.

COOKING: DREAMY FRUIT SALAD

This makes a wonderful dessert that provides healthful fruits as the main ingredients.

You will need: 1 large package vanilla instant pudding, 1 ½ cups milk, 1 diced apple, 1 peeled navel orange, 2 bananas sliced, ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup sliced strawberries and a large bowl.

1. Mix the instant pudding and milk in a large bowl. Chill for 10 minutes.
2. Add diced apple, orange sections, bananas, strawberries and blueberries and mix together gently.
3. Makes 4-6 servings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Creative tip: use your imagination and substitute different fruits.

CRAFTING: HAT-MAKING

Kids love to play dress-up…and role-playing gives parents and teachers a wonderful opportunity for observation and discussion.

You will need: 1 circle of felt material (about 12 inches across), ribbons, buttons, silk flowers and/or other items to adorn the hat, glue and a pair of scissors.

1. Cut a hole in the center of the felt circle to fit your child’s head without slipping down over the face.
2. Arrange the ribbons, buttons, silk flowers, etc. and glue in place.

Tomorrow I’ll review the picture book story that completes this unit of activities: ZARA’S HATS by Paul Meisel.

Right now, I’m off to listen to my interview with Lisa Hein on her show, Everyday Parenting at 10am EST today on www.RadioEarNetwork.com

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The theme for my posts this week is companions.

The dictionary defines companion as one that accompanies another comrade or associate, a friend who is frequently in the company of another.

When I think about ingredients that are happy companions of each other, this simple, child-friendly recipe for BANANA BRAN MUFFINS comes to mind.

After all, how can something with applesauce, bananas, cinnamon and raisins taste badly…and when you add oat bran and whole wheat flour, you get a muffin that packs an enormous nutrition punch!!!!

CHILD-FRIENDLY BANANA-RAISIN BRAN MUFFINS

These highly nutritious muffins make a wonderful snack…or team them with a vegetable salad or soup for a terrific lunch!!

You will need: 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 cup oat bran, 3 Tbs milk, 1 egg, ½ cup canola oil, 1 cup mashed banana, ½ cup raisins, 1 cup applesauce, 1 tsp honey, a large bowl and a lightly greased 12-cup muffin tin.

1. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix well.

2. Add milk, egg, applesauce and oil and blend together.

3. Mix in raisins and mashed banana.

4. Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.

5. Cool well before serving. Makes 12 regular size muffins.

This recipe is just one of 100 easy child-friendly healthful cooking activities you will find in SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING. This book is a wonderful resource and shortcut for busy parents and teachers who want to provide educational fun-filled activities for preschoolers. Visit my website to take advantage of the 50%-off-the-cover-price sale, going on until April 9^th! You can also enter to win a great colection of craft supplies for your preschoolers by purchasing a copy or by just filling in the contact form on the website or leaving me a comment here on why you would like to win the craft supplies. Make sure you leave your email so I can notify you if you are the winner. Winner will be announced April 10th.