Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

I first learned this intervention as an intern from my supervisors Laura Joesten and Jill Comarell.  It was so much fun with the kiddos!!

Materials:
Sandwich Bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Paper Plates
Knifes
Gloves
Paper
Pencils


:
Have the patients sit around the tables.  Hand them each a piece of paper and a pencil.  Have the children write down the directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Give the patients plenty of time to write down the directions, step by step.  Explain the importance of being accurate in their descriptions.

Once the children have all written down directions for making a sandwich, pick one child's paper and proceed to follow the directions.  Read the directions out loud as you are making the sandwich.  Do EXACTLY what the directions say, for example if the directions say take the people butter and spread it, spread it anywhere you want because the directions did not say to spread the peanut butter on the bread. If it doesn't say to use a knife, use just your hands (with gloves of course!). Continue to try and make the sandwiches with each of the children's directions.

Processing:
Talk about the experience.  What did this activity help the kids realize?  Consider the following questions:
  -Why is it important to make sure directions are clear?
  -What are some situations where it is especially important to have clear communication?
  -What are situations in which it is really easy to get confused?
  -What can you do to better understand what someone tells you?
  -Whose responsibility is it to see that directions are clear and understood?