Kneading Dough

Kneading develops hand and arm strength while teaching an essential baking technique.

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

Objectives

• Learn kneading technique
• Develop hand strength
• Build baking skills

Materials

• Bread or pizza dough
• Floured surface
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Flour work surface. 2. Place dough on surface. 3. Push dough away with heel of hands. 4. Fold dough over. 5. Turn dough quarter turn. 6. Repeat push, fold, turn. 7. Continue until smooth and elastic.

Educator tip

Show children how dough changes texture—from sticky to smooth. Time kneading with a song.

Assessment

Child kneads dough using proper technique until texture changes.

More from Practical Life

• Rolling Dough
• Cracking Nuts
• Using a Mortar and Pestle
• Straining Liquids
• Measuring Dry Ingredients
• Measuring Liquid Ingredients
• Using a Timer for Cooking
• Following a Simple Recipe