LET THE FRUIT TIMES ROLL
Why play this way?
Getting comfortable with food sometimes has nothing to do with eating at all! This playful activity is also a deep dive into physics using an utterly unexpected and yummy material - food! When children roll into this play, they will explore cause & effect and experiment with angles and speed. Plus, did you know that establishing an associative link between food and silly play can foster a more adventurous eater?
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 3 Minutes
Ready
Several pieces of round fruit (e.g., oranges, grapes, grapefruits, clementines, melons, etc.)
Materials to make a ramp (e.g., cardboard, cutting board, sofa cushion, etc.)
A sturdy surface to lean your ramp against (e.g., wall, sofa, box, bed, etc.)
Set
Create an angle by leaning your ramp against your sturdy surface.
Place your fruit on the floor near your ramp.
Set the mood with this food-tastic L•M•N•O•Play!List.
Play!
EXPLORE, EXPERIMENT, HAVE FUN!
Roll your fruits down the ramp to see how fast and far they go.
Adjust the angle of your ramp.
Switch up the ramp material.
Create two ramps side by side, and have a fruit race with a friend!
Head to the kitchen and look for other food items to see if they will roll (e.g., banana, carrot, head of lettuce, or broccoli).
Make a tiny ramp for Little Pea:
- Cut a paper towel or toilet paper tube in half lengthwise. Roll some little peas down your new ramp for a BIG adventure.
The next time you go to the grocery store, look for new fruit you want to send down your ramp. Try to find something you may have never tasted before, and enjoy a post-roll snack!
PLAY YOUR WAY! What else can you do with these open ended materials?
