Kneading and Baking Bread

Bread is humanity's oldest food-transformation. The child sees flour become dough, dough rise, dough become bread. The warm loaf shared is among the most satisfying practical life experiences.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Food Preparation
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Measure and combine ingredients for simple bread
• Knead the dough with proper technique
• Understand rising and baking
• Share fresh bread with the community

Materials

• Simple bread recipe (flour, water, yeast, salt, a bit of oil)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Clean work surface and apron
• Small loaf pan
• Oven (adult-supervised)

Instructions

1. Wash hands and put on apron. 2. Measure dry ingredients into the bowl. 3. Add warm water and oil. 4. Mix with hands until a rough dough forms. 5. Turn onto a floured surface. 6. Knead with the heels of the hands, folding and turning, for about 8 minutes. 7. Place in a greased bowl and cover to rise until doubled. 8. Punch down, shape, place in pan, and rise again. 9. Bake under adult supervision until golden; tap the bottom — it should sound hollow.

Educator tip

Rising takes an hour or more. Use the wait time for reading or other work. Let children taste their own loaf warm from the oven.

Assessment

Note measuring accuracy, kneading technique, and readiness to share.

More from Practical Life

• Mending a Torn Garment
• Household Budgeting — A Real Expense Tracker
• Transferring with Tongs
• Transferring Liquid with an Eye Dropper
• Shining Plant Leaves
• Washing Dishes
• Pouring Through a Funnel
• Carrying a Chair