Ms Dawn SLPMs Dawn SLP
    • (855) 252-9300
    • hello@msdawnslp.com
  • Home
  • Services
    • Parents
    • Therapists
    • Brands
  • Events
  • Blog
  • About
Back
  • Home
  • Services
    • Parents
    • Therapists
    • Brands
  • Events
  • Blog
  • About
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Kids Sensory Play
  • Pizza Craft for Picky Eaters

Kids Sensory Play

14 May

Pizza Craft for Picky Eaters

  • By Ms. Dawn
  • In Kids Sensory Play, Picky Eater Tips, Spring Foods + Crafts
Pizza Craft ta-da!

All kids eat pizza, right? Actually, a majority of parents who have a picky eater would do a back-flip if their child ate any topping in addition to their plain, no sauce, thin crust, cheese pizza. I teach picky eaters how to grow out of their comfort zone and try new foods using my feeding approach called Symbolic Feeding Strategy.

10 years ago, I started implementing my Symbolic Feeding Strategy when I had kiddos that were so finicky, they would not even stay in the same room with new foods! Using crafts was a fun way to teach kids about food textures through play. For example, I would use red paint because it is similar to the texture and color of marinara sauce on pizza. Try using my Symbolic Feeding Strategy with this adorable pizza craft! It may help your picky eater turn “pizza craft fun” into “pizza is yum!”

What you Need:

  • Cardboard box
  • Paint
  • Brushes + small spatula
  • Cookie cutters + pizza cutter
  • Small plates or lids or the ezpz Play Mat
  • Yellow Paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut out a large circle “crust” out of one side of a cardboard box.
  2. Slop on some “sauce” (we used red paint) and let your kiddo have at it with a paint brush or even a small spatula to spread the paint around. (Most of this will be covered by “cheese” but it’s still fun and an important sensory experience!) Set your “saucy pizza crust” aside to dry.
Red paint on cardboard
  1. For “toppings”, place a small cookie cutter in each color to symbolize green peppers, brown mushrooms, red pepperoni, black olives, etc. Stamp the cookie cutter onto your “cheese” (aka yellow paper). Let dry.
  • Cookie Cutter with Paint
  • Cookie cutter painting
  1. Cut your “cheese” into a circle and attach to your “crust”.
  2. Leave whole or cut it to make slices and display this artwork on a plate!

Teaching children to try something new on a beloved food like pizza can be stressful. That’s why this strategy of using the symbolism of colors, textures and even placing on a plate can break through the walls of feeding anxiety for a lot of kids. I hope this feeding strategy will help your family navigate your way to a successful mealtime that includes a variety of toppings on your pie!

Don’t forget to tag me in all your fabulous pizza party pictures @msdawnslp. I can’t wait to see what you make… and now I’m hungry. Pizza anyone?! #MsDawnSLP

Happy Feeding!
xo
Ms. Dawn

P.S. Want to keep the (dough) ball rolling? Pro-Tip: Try using the same cookie cutters from this craft on a slice of fruit or sandwich to make lunch more fun! And check out the book I co-authored for more picky eater tips called, Making Mealtime ezpz.

Tags:feeding therapyotparentingpicky eatersensoryslpslpeepsspdtoddler
  • Share:
Ms. Dawn
MsDawnSLP is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. All information found on MsDawnSLP.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice.

You may also like

Boy drinking from a squirt gun

Tips for Picky Drinkers

  • June 23, 2022
  • by Ms. Dawn
  • in Picky Eater Tips
It’s getting hot outside, and parents often worry about their kids staying hydrated. This is especially true for...
How to Introduce Oranges
March 1, 2022
Bubble Wrap Sensory Fun
February 1, 2022
Thanksgiving Crafts for Picky Eaters
November 12, 2020

Categories

  • Baby Led Weaning
  • Baby Sensory Play
  • Breakfast Ideas for Kids
  • Dinner Ideas for Kids
  • Eating A Rainbow
  • Fall Foods + Crafts
  • Feeding Therapy
  • Feeding Tube
  • Healthy Home
  • Kids Sensory Play
  • Motivational
  • Picky Eater Tips
  • Product Recommendations
  • Spring Foods + Crafts
  • Summer Foods + Crafts
  • Winter Foods + Crafts

Recent Posts

Showing the different ways soup can be introduced to your baby
How to Offer Soup to Baby
23Jan,2023
An image of a traditional popsicle versus the ezpz Tiny Pops
When to Safely Start Popsicles With Your Baby
07Jan,2023
avocado in 3 textures, served in an ezpz Tiny Bowl
3 Puree Textures to Assess Swallowing + Feeding Skills
10Oct,2022

Tags

activity allergy baby blw child development choking drinking feeding issues feeding therapy first foods fruit fussy baby gift high chair mom open cup ot pacifier parenting picky eater pumpkin sensory slp slpeeps soup spd starting solids straw toddler travel

Get in touch

(855) 252-9300

hello@msdawnslp.com

Useful Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Services for Parents
  • Services for Brands
  • Services for Therapists
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Store
  • Privacy Policy

Social Links

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Newsletter

Join my newsletter for feeding tips, giveaways, my speaking schedule, and gear guides!

© Spectrum Speech & Feeding, LLC. | Website powered by Cutting Edge Concepts