The Gruffalo, the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has captured the hearts of young readers for years. With its catchy rhymes, unforgettable illustrations, and a clever mouse who outsmarts the dangers of the deep, dark wood, it’s no wonder that The Gruffalo is a staple in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) classrooms across the country. The story not only sparks imagination but also teaches valuable lessons about courage, clever thinking, and confidence.
Introducing the Gruffalo Crumble Workshop
As an exciting way to bring this story to life, we’ve created our unique Gruffalo Crumble workshop, designed to engage children in a hands-on experience that combines storytelling with cooking. This workshop allows children to get creative in the kitchen while learning important cooking and baking skills in a fun and educational environment.
Immersing Children in the Story
The workshop kicks off with a lively reading of The Gruffalo to immerse the children in the magical world of the deep, dark wood. After hearing about the cunning mouse and his encounters with the Gruffalo, it’s time for the real fun to begin!
Getting Ready to Cook
First, we ensure everyone is ready by washing hands and putting on aprons. Then it’s straight into the kitchen!
Making the Crumble Topping
The children begin by making the crumble topping—an essential part of the Gruffalo Crumble. They weigh out plain flour, brown sugar, and butter, before getting hands-on, rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar until it reaches the perfect crumbly texture. Finally, oats are added to complete the topping, which is then set aside.
Preparing the Fruity Filling
Next, the children carefully peel apples, using a fork to hold them in place and keep their hands safe from the peeler. Working as a team, they chop the apples into slices and place them in the baking tin. Then it’s time for the magic of The Gruffalo to shine! The children add blackberries for the Gruffalo’s “purple prickles” and blueberries for his “poisonous warts.” They also mix in a dash of cinnamon, cornflour, and a little more brown sugar to add flavour.
Bringing the Crumble to Life
With the fruit prepared, it’s time to sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruity mixture and pop it in the oven to bake.
Creative Decorating with a Gruffalo Twist
The final step is where the fun reaches its peak! The children decorate the crumble with their own version of the Gruffalo’s face. They use orange slices for his eyes, banana pieces for his horns, a blueberry for his poisonous wart, and apple triangles for his sharp teeth. It’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity while keeping the Gruffalo theme alive!
More Than Just a Cooking Class
Our Gruffalo Crumble workshop is a fantastic way to bring literature, creativity, and cooking together in an engaging and educational way. Not only do children get to immerse themselves in a classic story, but they also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, fine motor skills, and a love of cooking. Plus, they get to taste the delicious results of their hard work!
Want to Book the Gruffalo Crumble Workshop?
So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity that combines reading, cooking, and a dash of creativity, look no further than our Gruffalo Crumble workshop. It’s an unforgettable way to engage young learners and spark their imaginations!
Would you like to know more about booking the Gruffalo Crumble workshop for your school or group? Feel free to get in touch with us today!
