When’s the last time you went on a picnic? The process of preparing food, packing a basket, and finding a clean enjoyable outside space to enjoy lunch seems like a lot of work!

But it’s a process that will give children the opportunity to practice logical thinking and decision making. Not to mention, everyone will be able to enjoy a picnic together as a reward for the hard work!

Activity: Pack a Picnic Basket

To do: Practice step by step preparation by packing a picnic basket with your child.
Time: 30 minutes
Materials: Basket, big blanket, containers for food, utensils and plates

It’s time for a picnic! Consider all the logical thinking that has to happen to make a picnic a success. You have to prepare then pack food, pack utensils and plates, pack something to sit on, and finally make sure it all fits in a picnic basket!

Children of any age will enjoy helping to prepare a picnic. Depending on your child’s age, plan to get them involved:

Younger children can carry items from point A to point B, like containers from the refrigerator to the picnic basket. They can do simple food preparation like wash strawberries or grapes. They can also pack their own backpack with things they might like to bring along to play with.

Older children will thrive with the step-by-step preparation. For your child who is just beginning to read and write, make a list together to practice handwriting. Think chronologically: First, we will decide on a menu. Next, we will go grocery shopping for those items. Then, we’ll prepare the picnic lunch and pack it!

During the entire process, try asking your child leading questions rather than giving them answers. For example, “If we want chicken sandwiches for our picnic, what supplies do we need?”

This logical thinking will be great practice for your child in all areas of life, from getting their backpack packed for school to doing algebra!

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