Mindful apple

Children explore an apple with all their senses before eating it: looking, touching, smelling, listening to the crunch and slowly tasting.

Steps

1. Each child gets a quarter of an apple. We agree to eat only on a signal.
2. Look: what colour is the skin, and the flesh? Can you see speckles and pips?
3. Touch and smell: smooth or rough? Wet or dry? Does it smell sweet or sour?
4. Listen: children hold the apple to their ear and take the first bite – what does the crunch sound like?
5. Eat very slowly with eyes closed and describe the taste in one word. Talk: how is mindful eating different from eating in a hurry?

Tip: You can do the same with a raisin or a piece of carrot. Ask about allergies beforehand.