Our kids love to build things. Toys, such as Legos easily snap together. It was time to take it to the next level and build with things that don’t naturally stick together. I decided to have them build castles with graham crackers and peanut butter. This was a great exercise in balance. We had many toppling towers along the way and they loved to “try, try again” to make them stand up. They learned how to position the graham crackers so they would be sturdier.
Graham Cracker Castles:
You Will Need:
- Graham Crackers
- Peanut butter (or alternative if there are allergies, such as frosting or cream cheese)
- Plastic trays or paper or plastic plates to build on
- Something to keep the surface clean such as parchment paper, wax paper or paper towels
- Butter knives to spread the peanut butter
- Wipes for hands (optional)
Set out one tray or plate per child or team of two with graham crackers and peanut butter (or alternative). Give each child a knife to spread the peanut butter. Give them simple instructions on using the peanut butter on the sides as glue and let them experiment. This is much more about the process than the product, largely because it is harder to accomplish than it looks. They will learn about what works and what doesn’t through experimentation. When they are done, snack is served! I reminded our kids not to snack during the process and told them we would eat it later. When they were done, I divided the graham crackers and served some for snack and saved a few for later.
More CASTLE ideas from the Playful Preschool Team:
I think I will have to give this a go with one of our "NICE" biscuits and some frosting as we can't get Graham Crackers in the UK
I just bought a box this week. I know what we will be making for snack today – castles!
This is a great snack idea for a preschool castle theme! We are going to do this.
Hahaha this is too cute!!! I love ginger bread houses at Christmas time but they always come out major fails… I think this is not only toddler friendly, but untalented adult friendly too 😉
Hi Cerys.
I was not aware that graham crackers are not available in the UK. I am always learning new things about the UK from you! I hope this works out just as well with NICE biscuits.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Amanda.
I hope you enjoy this activity at snack time. I think it is rewarding to be able to eat it when the activity is done!
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Danielle.
I hope you enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi CourtneyLynne.
You crack me up! ….And you're right! It is great that it is more about the process and the 'evidence' gets immediately eaten afterwards.
: 0 ) Theresa
"Preschool engineering" LOVE that term. We do this with gingerbread houses at Christmas–great year round idea :).
Hi Homemade Experience.
This would be great for gingerbread houses (though I imagine those would have some decorations on the outside too). Our kids would be thrilled if candy were added to the mix!
: 0 ) Theresa
Love this! We always do graham cracker houses during Christmas but why not do it other times of the year. I like the idea of using nut butters with the graham crackers and making castles.
So cute. We are going to have to try this with gluten free crackers.
So fun! Pinning this for future reference!!!
Hi Melissa Matters.
We will have to try t his at Christmas time too. I know they wouldn't mind adding candy and frosting to the mix!
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Megan.
Yes! I am sure that would work out great. Enjoy!
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Mrs Muffin Top.
Thank you for pinning!
: 0 ) Theresa
Such yummy fun!
Very creative!
Thank you Growing Book by Book!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Devany!
: 0 ) Theresa
What a brilliant engineering project! Pinning and Sharing. 🙂
Thank you so much for pinning and sharing Deborah!
: 0 ) Theresa