Making Whole Wheat Banana Roll-Ups is a hands-on cooking activity that works well in small groups at tables. This activity introduces children to the natural sweetness of bananas, combined with sunflower seed butter or cream cheese, creating a fun and nutritious snack.
Learning Objectives
Children will explore the taste and texture of bananas and whole wheat tortillas in a fun and interactive way.
Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through spreading, rolling, and assembling.
Teaching Objectives
Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by participating alongside the children.
Teachers will guide children in safe food handling and preparation practices.
Teaching Tips
Encourage children to take their time eating and describe what they notice about the flavors.
Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!
Prep Info
Equipment Required
Materials/Supplies
* Optional
Before the Lesson
Place the sunflower seed butter or cream cheese in a bowl for easy access.
Ensure all cooking tools, such as small bowls and spoons, are ready for use.
Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.
Activity
Introduction
But first, what is something great chefs always do before they start cooking?” (Answer: Wash their hands!)
Activity Description
Prepare the Ingredients:
Give each child a whole wheat tortilla and a peeled banana. Discuss the colors, smells, and textures of the ingredients.
Spread the Sunflower Seed Butter or Cream Cheese:
Show the children how to spread a thin layer of sunflower seed butter or cream cheese evenly across the tortilla using a spoon or butter knife.
Add the Banana and Cinnamon*:
Place the banana in the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon over the banana if desired.
Roll the Tortilla:
Help the children carefully roll the tortilla around the banana, forming a “roll-up.”
Cut the Roll-Up: * Adults only
Slice the roll-up into smaller rounds. Then, quarter each slice to create smaller, bitesized pieces (no larger than ½ inch) that are easier and safer for young children to eat.
Serve, Taste, & Discuss:
Serve each student a portion. Invite them to observe, smell, and feel the food. Let them decide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections.
Summary
Enrichment
Ask the children, “What other fruits can we use for these roll-ups? Could we use apples or berries instead of bananas? Can we use yogurt instead of sunflower seed butter/cream cheese?”
Attention Teachers!
Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.
Weekly Log
Attention Teachers!
Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.
