I do a summer camp, along with OT and PT, every summer for kids at risk for reading and handwriting problems. Part of their day at camp is snack time. Snack time is a very important part of the day because not only fo they get to eat, but they get to make their own snack. The purpose of snack time is to work on fine motor skills like cutting (with dull knifes), spreading, stirring, etc. and they "read" a rebus recipe that I write up.

We have had all of our recipes in place for the past 2 years, but several of them have peanut butter as a main ingredient. We've have been overwhelmingly fortunate in that we have not had a single kid with a peanut allergy (can't believe it!)....until this year. So...I need to come up with 3 new recipes. They need to be something that preschoolers can make with adult assistance, something a little fun, and something that requires a "little" work. Any suggestions that don't contain peanut butter and don't require cooking would be appreciated. Thanks!

By Dandjmom on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 07:55 am:

I don't know how easy it would be to cut, but if your looking for something healthy, then you could do carrots and or celery and have them spread ranch dressing on them.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 08:38 am:

Soft cream cheese spread on crackers or celery?

Regular or low-carb vanilla yogurt with a few different kinds of either fresh or dried fruit to stir in???

By Cat on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 09:03 am:

Sunflower butter is a safe alternative that a lot of schools around here are doing. From what I hear it doesn't taste too bad.

By Tripletmom on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 09:08 am:

Banana-Pear Caterpillar

1 lettuce leaf
1 medium banana-peeled
1/2 medium red pear,cored
and cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 raisins

Place the lettuce on a salad plate;top with the banana.Cut 1/4-in.V-shaped slices halfway through the banana,spacing cuts 1 in.apart.Place a pear slice,peel side up,in each cut.For eyes,gently press raisins into the end of banana.

My DD loves to make these.They are healthy and fun.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 11:04 am:

You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. It's the closest thing to peanut butter I've been able to find. I get it at Trader Joe's, but you may also be able to find it at health food stores.

By Kaye on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 09:55 pm:

Cream cheese would spread on many things. They could dip pretzles (either big or small rods) in icing and then roll in sprinkles.

Or you dould do cheese sandwiches and have them cut them with cookie cutters, or just let them cut firm cheese slices.

Crackers and chez whiz.

Hmmm I am trying to recall what my little guy did in OT and it just isn't coming to me!