Cutting Banana

Cutting soft foods introduces knife safety while building independence. Banana is ideal because it cuts easily and provides immediate, healthy reward.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Food Preparation
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Learn safe knife handling
• Develop cutting technique
• Prepare healthy snacks independently
• Practice precision movements

Materials

• Ripe banana
• Child-safe cutting knife
• Cutting board
• Small plate for slices
• Compost bin for peel

Instructions

1. Wash hands. 2. Peel banana (demonstrate technique). 3. Place on cutting board. 4. Hold knife with proper grip, blade down. 5. Hold banana gently with other hand, fingers curled. 6. Press down and slice—one cut at a time. 7. Place slices on plate. 8. Dispose of peel properly.

Educator tip

Teach 'claw grip' for holding food—fingertips curled under to protect them from the blade.

Assessment

Child demonstrates safe knife grip, cuts evenly, and disposes of waste properly.

More from Practical Life

• Juicing Oranges
• Walking on the Line
• Silence Game
• Greeting Others
• Waiting and Taking Turns
• Apologizing and Forgiving
• Flower Arranging
• Folding Napkins