Juicing Oranges

Juicing requires sustained physical effort and develops hand strength while producing a healthy, immediate result. Children experience the complete farm-to-table connection.

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

Objectives

• Develop hand strength through twisting motion
• Learn complete food preparation sequence
• Build self-sufficiency in nutrition
• Practice multi-step procedures

Materials

• Fresh orange (halved)
• Manual citrus juicer
• Small glass or cup
• Cutting board and knife (for halving)
• Compost bin for rinds
• Apron

Instructions

1. Wash hands, put on apron. 2. If orange is whole, cut in half (with supervision). 3. Place half orange cut-side down on juicer. 4. Press down while twisting back and forth. 5. Continue until juice is extracted. 6. Pour juice into glass. 7. Repeat with second half. 8. Dispose of rinds, clean juicer.

Educator tip

Warm oranges slightly for easier juicing. This is excellent for building hand strength needed for writing.

Assessment

Child extracts juice effectively, works through fatigue, and cleans up independently.

More from Practical Life

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