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We read the book Everybody Cooks Rice and really wanted some fun activities to go with it. Everybody Cooks Rice introduces children to the fact that all different cultures share something in common, literally with rice, and opens the idea that we have other commonalities that bring us together.
Everybody Cooks Rice Sensory Bin
My first thought was to put together a big sensory bin full of different types of rice and other items that go with it to represent different cultures. My kids 6 and 9 still love to play in sensory bins and have since toddlerhood! So I pulled together an Everybody Cooks Rice Sensory Bin to go along with our theme. Sensory bins are a great part of dramatic and imaginative play but they also provide a tool for building fine motor skills, measuring, hand eye coordination, and many other skills.
First, we looked up different ways that the world eats rice and what their special rice dishes are called. There are many types of rice! This is a great way to introduce your child to computers and their usefulness in finding out answers! You could also take a trip to the library to do your research. Here are some common rice dishes throughout the world…
- Japan- Sushi
- China-Rice Cake
- Korea- Bibimbap
- Italy-Risotto
- Spain-Paella
- India- Biryani
- Thailand- Kow Mun Gai
Everybody Cooks Rice Sensory Bin
You will need:
- A large shallow bin
- Rice-white, brown, yellow, risotto
- Beans-black, red
- Chopsticks
- Forks
- 3×5 cards
- Permanent marker
- Real or play cooking items
- Small bowls/containers
Directions:
Place the different types of rice and beans in your small containers and put them in the bin.
Write the names of the various dishes you studied and place them in the bin as well.
Finally, add items like chopsticks, forks, spoons, etc….
Encourage your child to recreate the dishes using what’s in the bin and then match the card with the correct name to their dish.
As your child plays talk to them about each culture they are creating a dish for, busy little hands help little brains to absorb a lot of information as you read from the story or discuss what you have learned.
Even if everything ends up all mixed up in the bin it’s okay! Your child created another learning opportunity, you can explain that just like all the ingredients combine to create a tasty and unique dish we as human beings mix together to create an wonderfully diverse and interesting world!
Turn it into math by using measuring cups and spoons to measure out your “ingredients”.
Add some additional fine motor practice by using chopsticks , forks, or spoons to transfer rice and beans from one container to another.
Around The World – Pack your {pretend} bags and get ready to go on a world adventure. From stringing patterned necklaces to making apple pie, children will get a glimpse at some different places around the world.
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