Peeling and Slicing Hard Boiled Eggs

This is one of my favorite food preparation activities. Although the hard boiled eggs have a very strong smell, it is important to remember that this adds to the benefits of this activity because the smell evokes the use of our senses, and toddlers are sensorial learners! 

Remember, color coordinating supports your child's sense of order.

When the eggs are brown, your child can see the difference between the shell and the egg, supporting their sense of sight. This also serves as a point of interest. 

You will need:

1. Brown hard boiled eggs. I boil these ahead of time, so that they are not too hot to peel, and I pre-crack them. 

2. A small cutting board

3. A small knife (this activity may also be done with an egg slicer such as this one).

4. Small tongs

5. A bowl or container for the eggs

6. A bowl for the egg shells

7. A serving bowl for the peeled eggs

Show your child how to peel the eggs. Move slowly and try to minimize your words while you are moving. This will allow your child to concentrate on your actions. Invite your child to peel an egg. Then, show your child how to use the knife to cut the egg (use your non-dominant hand to hold the egg steady while you cut with your dominant hand). Finally, show your child how to transfer the now peeled and cut eggs into the serving bowl. 

This activity can get messy, but this is all part of the learning experience!

 

My student Tommy loved this activity today. He was so happy when he peeled the shell and "found" the egg! Tommy is two years old and was able to concentrate for almost 40 minutes, as he peeled and sliced over a dozen eggs!

  

You can serve these eggs by themselves or even use them for a soup. I would recommend using them with the broths from Simply Real Foods Market, especially because they are natural, organic, and made without GMOs. 

Also, have you checked out my previous post about my favorite things? You can find links to books and articles I love, as well as information about Monti Kids, my favorite place for Montessori toys.