Scrubbing Vegetables

Scrubbing vegetables connects children to food preparation and teaches the importance of washing food before eating.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Environment
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Learn food preparation hygiene
• Develop scrubbing technique
• Connect to farm-to-table understanding

Materials

• Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots)
• Vegetable brush
• Basin of water
• Colander
• Towel

Instructions

1. Fill basin with cold water. 2. Place vegetable in water. 3. Hold vegetable in one hand. 4. Scrub with brush in the other hand. 5. Turn vegetable to scrub all sides. 6. Rinse in clean water. 7. Place in colander to dry. 8. Empty and clean basin.

Educator tip

Use sturdy vegetables that won't break. This connects beautifully to garden activities and cooking projects.

Assessment

Child scrubs vegetables clean using appropriate pressure.

More from Practical Life

• Making a Bed
• Cleaning Up a Spill
• Recycling and Waste Sorting
• Raking Leaves
• Caring for a Classroom Pet
• Gardening: Planting Seeds
• Washing Dishes
• Hanging Laundry on a Line