Letter B (or S) Smoothie + Story Activity

Lesson 272 • By Amy (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Kindergarten

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Recognize and identify the letter B (or letter S) in print.
  • Connect the letter sound to real-life objects (blueberries / strawberries).
  • Build vocabulary through reading and discussion.
  • Practice predicting, describing, and using sensory language.
  • Engage in a hands-on cooking activity that involves sequencing and measurement.
  • Experience new foods and make observations about taste, smell, and texture.

Materials

Book Options

Smoothie Ingredients (makes 1–2 servings)

  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup nonfat frozen yogurt or fruit sherbet
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup blueberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Supplies

  • Measuring cups
  • Blender
  • Cups for serving
  • Spoons or straws
  • Wet wipes or napkins
  • Chart paper (for word lists or predictions)

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

1. Introduce the Letter

Hold up the letter:

  • B for Blueberries
  • S for Strawberries

Say the sound together.
Make a list of words students already know that begin with that letter.

2. Read-Aloud

For B:

Read Blueberries for Sal.
Pause to point out:

  • Bear
  • Blueberries
  • Bucket
  • Bump
  • “Kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk!”

For S:

Read The Little Mouse… Strawberry… Big Hungry Bear.
Discuss:

  • Strawberry
  • Sneaking
  • Sharing
  • Smell
  • Slicing
  • Scared (how the mouse feels)

3. Letter Hunt

On chart paper, write:

“Let’s find words that start with the letter B (or S).”

Students call out every word they hear beginning with the target letter.

Record the list and leave it posted for the week.

4. Sensory Exploration

Ask:

  • “Have you ever eaten a blueberry/strawberry?”
  • “What do you think it will taste like?”
  • “Smell like?”
  • “Soft, squishy, sweet, sour?”

Pass out ONE berry per child to taste.
Allow children to describe their experience using sensory vocabulary.

5. Smoothie-Making Demonstration

Review safety:

“Only grown-ups touch the blender.”

Invite students to help:

  • One child adds the milk
  • Another adds frozen yogurt
  • Another adds the fruit
  • Another adds banana pieces

Let the class count together:

“1 cup milk… 2 scoops of yogurt…”

Blend until smooth.
Serve in small cups.

Encourage polite “thank yous” and respectful “no thank yous.”

6. Enjoy & Discuss

While drinking smoothies, discuss:

  • “What letter did we learn today?”
  • “What ingredients started with B/S?”
  • “Which did you like best?”
  • “What color is the smoothie?” (Another letter connection!)

✨ Optional Extensions

1. Smoothie Graphing

Make a bar graph:

  • “Who liked the smoothie?”
  • “Who preferred blueberries vs. strawberries?”

This introduces simple data representation.

2. Predicting Flavor

Children guess whether blueberry or strawberry smoothie will be sweeter.

3. Cooking Vocabulary Cards

Teach:

  • Blend
  • Pour
  • Measure
  • Scoop
  • Smooth
  • Frozen

4. Art Extension

Fingerpaint blueberry dots or strawberry seeds using Q-tips.

5. Writing Center Connection

Sentence starters:

  • “B is for __________.”
  • “My smoothie tasted __________.”
  • “A blueberry is __________.”

️ Safety Notes

  • Only an adult should operate the blender.
  • Watch for food allergies.
  • Use small tasting amounts.
  • Clean hands before and after food handling.

Informal Assessment

Observe whether students can:

  • Identify the target letter and its sound
  • Recognize letter-starting words in the book
  • Participate in sequencing steps
  • Describe berries using sensory descriptors
  • Engage appropriately in the tasting activity

Browse:

Find More: