Brainy Yogurt Bowl

Our brains do a LOT of work, and today's snack is a fun way to talk about it. The Brainy Yogurt Bowl is creamy yogurt your child tops with colorful fruit and a little crunch. They get to design it themselves, which is a thinking job too!

What you need

• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

• Blueberries, halved or smashed flat

• Banana slices

• Strawberries, cut small

• A spoonful of oats or oat cereal for crunch

• Small bowls for each topping

How to make it

1. Set up a topping bar. Put each topping in its own small bowl with a spoon.

2. Scoop the base. Your child scoops yogurt into their bowl.

3. Plan it. Ask, "What do you want to make? A face? A rainbow? A pattern?" Planning and choosing is brain work.

4. Top it. Your child adds toppings one at a time, counting as they go.

5. Eat and talk. While they eat, ask, "What is your brain thinking about right now?"

Why we love it

It's a no-cook snack that little hands can build start to finish. It ties right into today's lesson: food gives our bodies, brains included, the energy to play, learn and grow. Choosing toppings and making a design gives kids a chance to plan and make decisions on their own.

Make it your own

• Count to 3: Three blueberries, three banana slices, three strawberries.

• Dairy-free: Use a plant-based yogurt.

• Rainbow bowl: Line up one row of each color fruit.

A quick safety note: For kids under 4, halve or flatten blueberries and cut all fruit small. Skip honey for babies under 1, and skip nuts or anything your family avoids.

Shop these items

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• Toddler bowls

• Shop everything for Week 3: My Body

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our My Body activities, Letter C activities and Number 3 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.