We started out by writing the alphabet, and then drawing pictures of all of the fruits and veggies we could think of with those letters. We never did come up with anything for Q or X, but I was impressed by how good the pictures of the watermelon and kiwi turned out. I won’t bore you with all of the common foods we ate (a=apple, b=banana, etc.), but we did try a few things that we wouldn’t have normally. For “d” and “f” we hit the dried fruit section. The kids actually made it through the figs, remarking on how it was kinda like the cookies. I think they still would have preferred the Fig Newtons to the dried figs. The dates were not appreciated, but I think that’s because we had the whole dates and the texture was weird. May have to chop those up and bake them into something. Anyone have a good recipe for those?

We cheated for “m” and “j.” There were no mangoes at our grocery, and though the jicamas were listed on the produce board, I had no idea which vegetable they actually were (should have looked at the photo before we left the house!), so we went with Jumex brand mango juice. The kids would only take a sip until I mixed it with orange juice, then they thought it rocked. Our favorite new food, by far, was the pickled okra that a friend introduced us to. She didn’t even know that we were doing the challenge, but brought them over to share a bit of her family tradition with us, and they were so good! Even the kids ate them. Is there a better endorsement than that?

What about you? Did any of you take the challenge? What new foods did you discover?

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What does this have to do with our usual toys, games, books and fun stuff to do theme here? Well, we all know that food is fun, right? Even kids know to ask what we’re eating everytime there’s a party or get together. The alphabet aspect obviously brings in the opportunity to review/introduce letters to our kids as they pertain to fruits and vegetables. And there’s the book Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert as well. Do any of you own it? It appears to be very vibrant book, reminding me of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

So, here’s my plan. Sit down with the kiddos and the alphabet. See how many fruits and veggies that we can think of to fill in beside the letters, and anything goes! Yes, whatever produce they can think of that starts with those letters is fair game, even if it’s something I don’t like. We can even color pictures of the produce, or play word games with names of the fruits and veggies. Kate is doing something similar with her son, as well. See? It can all be healthy, educational, and FUN!! (Can you tell I need inside play inspiration, and that the winter is already dragging a bit?!?)

I think kids will also get a kick of playing a seeking game in our fridge and cupboards today, and with our grocery list tomorrow at the store. Because, don’t forget, the challenge is to actually EAT one letter inspired fruit or veggie from the whole alphabet within the week. Are you up for the challenge? Do you think this would be a fun family activity?

Post from: Play Library