About

Overview

Making “Sand Castles” with brown rice and beans is a hands-on cooking activity that works well at tables in small groups. This activity allows children to explore new textures and flavors while preparing a fun and nutritious snack inspired by Southwestern cuisine.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of brown rice and beans in a fun and interactive way.
  2. Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through scooping, mixing, and decorating.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by participating alongside the children.
  2. Teachers will guide children in safe food handling and preparation practices.

Teaching Tips

  • Encourage kids to get creative—shape the rice and beans, decorate with veggies, and turn their food into a fun, edible art!
  • Remember that the more times children are exposed to a new food the more likely they are to develop a taste preference for that food.

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool. Place the rice in a large bowl for easy serving.
  • To prevent choking, chop fresh vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce, corn) into tiny, bite-sized pieces—no larger than 3 inches long and ½ inch wide. Place them in small bowls.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly. Be sure to dispose of the sharp lid safely.
  • Ensure all cooking tools, such as child-safe spoons and molds, 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

  1. Prepare the Rice Base:
    • Invite the kids to scoop a little brown rice into their molds or small cups. Encourage them to feel the texture and smell the rice — ask what it feels and smells like!
  2. Add the Beans and Mix:
    • Let them spoon some beans on top of the rice. They can gently mix them together or leave them in layers — it’s up to them!
  3. Shape the Sand Castles:
    • Show them how to press the rice and beans into their molds, gently packing it down. Then, help them flip the molds onto plates to reveal their "sand castles."
  4. Decorate with Vegetables:
    • Demonstrate how to top their creations with colorful veggies like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and corn. They can even add a sprinkle of cheese if they want!
  5. Taste, & Discuss:
    • 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 grains or vegetables can we use for ‘Sand Castles’? Could we use quinoa or chickpeas instead of the rice or beans we used?”

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.