Activities for Kids Using Peanut Butter

Make Peanut Butter

• Show students what peanut butter is made from with a simple cooking lesson. Bring 1.5 cup unsalted peanuts, peanut oil, a food processor and some utensils to class. Let students help you pour the peanuts into the food processor. Ask a student to measure out 1 tbsp.of oil, then add it to the processor and mix to your desired consistency. Give each student a chance to stir the peanut butter or work the food processor. Place in a container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Peanut Butter Snacks

• Let students make their own snacks using peanut butter. Set out a variety of foods for students to try with peanut butter: Crackers, bread, vanilla cookies, jelly, apples, bananas, celery and raisins are all good choices. Provide plates and spoons or spatulas for dipping and spreading the peanut butter. Encourage students to try different combinations of foods to discover a new tasty snack time treat.

Bird Treats

• Attract birds to your classroom window by making peanut butter bird treats, recommends the website Preschool Rock. Gather enough pine cones to give one to each student in your class. Do not purchase pine cones, as they often contain fragrance or other additives. Tie a string around each pine cone for hanging. Give each student a paper plate, a cup filled with bird seed mix, a pine cone, a bowl of peanut butter and an icing spatula or tongue depressor. Show students how to spread the peanut butter on the pine cone until it is completely covered. Next, show them how to pour the birdseed over the pine cone (with the paper plate underneath) or pour the seeds into the plate and roll the pine cone in the seeds until it is covered. Hang the pine cones in trees near your classroom windows.

Peanut Butter Houses

• Instead of gingerbread houses, try making peanut butter houses instead. Give your students graham crackers and peanut butter, and encourage them to make houses, schools and other buildings. Show students how to use the peanut butter to hold the pieces of graham cracker together. Once the houses are completed, provide candy and raisins and invite students to decorate their masterpieces.