Squeezing Orange Juice

Turning an orange into juice is a small alchemy. The twist, the pressure, the yellow stream — all captivating. A seed in the glass is the control: strain before serving.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Food Preparation
• Level: Ages 4-5

Objectives

• Halve an orange safely and squeeze juice with a reamer
• Strain and pour juice into a glass
• Clean up completely
• Share the juice with the community

Materials

• Cutting board and child-safe knife
• Orange halved or to be halved
• Glass citrus reamer or press
• Small pitcher, strainer, serving glass
• Apron, compost bowl, sponge

Instructions

1. Put on the apron and wash hands. 2. Halve the orange on the cutting board (adult or child depending on skill). 3. Place the reamer on a small dish. 4. Press one half onto the reamer and twist with both hands. 5. Press out all the juice. 6. Repeat with the other half. 7. Pour through a strainer into the pitcher. 8. Pour from the pitcher into a glass. 9. Carry the glass to a classmate and clean the preparation area.

Educator tip

Begin with oranges; progress to lemons, grapefruits. Save peels for zesting or for the compost bin.

Assessment

Note hand position on the knife, twisting strength, use of the strainer, and community sharing.

More from Practical Life

• Sanding and Finishing Wood
• Grace and Courtesy: Telephone or Video Call Manners
• Kneading and Baking Bread
• Mending a Torn Garment
• Household Budgeting — A Real Expense Tracker
• Transferring with Tongs
• Transferring Liquid with an Eye Dropper
• Shining Plant Leaves