There is something delicious and sweet about fresh, juicy peas that frozen peas can never offer. Shelling peas may seem futile for many adults, but the young child absolutely enjoys the challenge. There is enough stimulation to hold their attention and refine their fine motor skills, not to mention the sheer joy in discovering tiny peas hiding in each pod. 

Who is this for?

I would begin around 22 – 24 months 

Things Required

• 2 small bowls – one for the pea pods and one for the peas
• 1 plate – to save the pods for later use
• Access to more pea pods in case child wants to shell more

Preparation

Sometimes, the pods come along with the stalk. In that case, we need to show the child to pull the stalk along the seam before we shell them open. I have used peas without the stalk in this. I generally prefer to use firm and plump pods because these are easier for the young hands to break open.

As always, you are the best judge of what works well in your kitchen for your child!

Illustrated Guide

I like to begin with an invitation, “Remember, we bought some fresh snap peas in the market? Let’s shell them.” Introduce everything at the table, else tell the child what we need and gather them together.

Show the child the seam that runs along the pod on both sides.

Place the pod on the table to give more support (for the child). Using the support of the non-dominant hand near the opening, press thumb of dominant hand into the seam to create an opening. 

Use both thumbs  in widening the opening.

Point to the peas in the pod.

Child and you can pull each pea out and place in the bowl for the peas.

Show the child to put the used pods in the compost or save them for later. Let the child press and open the pod however they can. Alternatively, you can give support by creating the first opening for very young children. 

Involve the child in putting the items back in their place or for wash. 

Short Guide

• I like to begin with an invitation, “Remember, we bought some fresh snap peas in the market? Let’s shell them.”
• Introduce everything at the table, else tell the child what we need and gather them together.
• Show the child the seam that runs along the pod on both sides.
• Place pod on the table to give more support (for the child)
• Using the support of the non-dominant hand near the opening, press thumb of dominant hand into the seam to create an opening.
• Use both thumbs  in widening the opening.
• Point to the peas in the pod.
• Child and you can pull each pea out and place in the bowl for the peas.
• Show the child to put the used pods in the compost or save them for later.
• Let the child press and open the pod however they can. Alternatively, you can give support by creating the first opening for very young children.
• Involve the child in putting the items back in their place or for wash.