Ask Ollie
Pack Your Own Lunch Challenge
Here's one to try together!
Ollie says: plan it, pack it, and beat the clock to build your very own lunch box!
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- sharp knives: chopping must be done by a grown-up
- butter knife use by child
- food allergens: name the allergens in the packed foods
- food safety when handling fridge items
What you need
- Bread or English muffins, 2 slices or 1 tortilla
- Shredded cheese, a small handful (optional)
- Berries, 1 handful (optional)
- Soft veggies (peppers, cucumber), 1 small portion (optional)
- Yogurt, 1 small pot (optional)
- Paper, 1 sheet
- Plate or tray, 1 (optional)
- Lunch box, 1
- Pencil, 1
- Butter knife, 1
- Knife, 1 sharp knife, for the grown-up
- Spread, 1 to 2 spoonfuls
- Drink, 1
- Small treat, 1
- Phone, 1, for a timer
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Clear a bit of counter space and check that the fridge and cupboard have a few choices for each part of the lunch. Keep allergies in mind and set aside any foods that need chopping.
- Write a checklist with five boxes: filling, fruit, vegetable, drink, and treat.
- Look in the fridge and cupboard and pick one food for each box.
- Spread your filling with the butter knife. Ask for help if you need it
- A grown-up chops anything that needs a sharp knife. A grown-up does this
- Pack the lunch box and tick off each box as you go.
- Check your lunch box against the list together. Ask: Does every box on your checklist have a tick? What part of your lunch are you most excited to eat?
- The next day: pack again and try to finish in under ten minutes.
- Now write down your best lunches, then try a new one tomorrow! Which lunch will win? Ask: Which lunch was your favorite, and what new lunch will you invent next?
Play it again
- Rainbow lunch: pack foods in as many different colors as you can.
- Mystery lunch: swap checklists with a family member and pack their lunch for them.
- Week of lunches: plan five different lunches and keep a scorecard of your favorites.
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