Cutting Soft Foods with a Knife

Cutting develops hand-eye coordination and knife safety while enabling children to prepare real food.

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

Objectives

• Develop knife safety
• Learn cutting technique
• Build food preparation skills

Materials

• Child-safe knife
• Cutting board
• Soft foods (banana, cooked vegetables, cheese)
• Bowl for cut pieces

Instructions

1. Place food on cutting board. 2. Hold food with 'claw' fingers. 3. Hold knife in dominant hand. 4. Position knife above food. 5. Press down and draw back slightly. 6. Create even pieces. 7. Transfer to bowl.

Educator tip

Teach the 'claw grip' to protect fingers. Start with soft foods that cut easily.

Assessment

Child cuts soft foods safely with even pieces.

More from Practical Life

• Peeling Vegetables with a Peeler
• Grating Cheese
• Squeezing Citrus
• Making a Simple Salad
• Making a Sandwich
• Mixing Batter
• Kneading Dough
• Rolling Dough