Mmmm, corn on the cob!

Mmmm, corn on the cob!

Eating corn on the cob at daycare makes any day feel like a sun-filled celebration.

Early in the morning, we remove the husks together as a group. As we work, we talk, we laugh, we guess which corncob will taste best, and which one each child will eat. We always keep a few corncobs that we will set out to dry for future crafts and leave the leaves on a few corncobs so that children can play with them. We wash the corncobs that will be served for lunch. Everyone participates in this task.

While the corn is cooking, we organize a few games that can be played with the corncobs that were set aside.

Here are a few examples:

• Children sit in a circle. Set a corncob in the centre of the circle and spin it. When the corncob stops turning, the child the pointy end is pointing to must complete a challenge (jump, touch his nose, sing, etc.).
  
• Crawl while transporting corncobs on your back. Watch out! They mustn't fall off!
  
• Transport corncobs with a partner, shoulder to shoulder.
  
• Organize races with empty corn sacks. Children must place their two feet in a bag and try to hop or run.
  
• Play musical corn, a variation of musical chairs.

After enjoying these activities, it's time to eat the delicious corn. Serve the corn on a large platter, in the centre of the table. Let children pick their own corncob. Later in the day or the following day, use the remaining corncobs for various crafts.

You can:

• Paint corncobs.
• Glue a variety of recycled materials on corncobs.
• Glue felt, foam, or construction paper pieces on corncobs.
• Cut the corncobs' "hair".
• Decorate corncobs with pretty hairpieces.

Another way to make this day even more special is to invite parents to join you for lunch. Children will be happy to share the corncobs they "prepared" with them!

Claudine Richard
Early childhood educator

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