National Chopsticks Day
DEEP END LEARNING I February 6th
Every year on February 6th, we celebrate National Chopsticks Day, a day dedicated to embracing the art of using chopsticks. Whether you’re an expert or a complete beginner, this day encourages you to pick up a pair of chopsticks and join in the fun. If you’re new to chopsticks, take this as a challenge to learn and master a new skill. For the seasoned pros, why not commit to using chopsticks for all your meals throughout the day? Keep reading for some creative and fun ways to celebrate National Chopsticks Day.
Kick-off National Chopsticks Day with a Chopsticks Challenge. Start with something simple, like picking up marshmallows or pompoms, and gradually increase the difficulty to small fruits or even a chopstick relay race.
Additional Fun Activities
- Chopstick Art: Use chopsticks as paintbrushes to create unique art pieces. Dip the tips in paint and let their imagination run wild on a canvas or paper.
- Chopsticks Pick-Up Game: Scatter various small items (buttons, beads, etc.) and see who can collect the most in a minute.
- DIY Chopstick Crafts: Transform chopsticks into crafty projects, like making a mini raft or a chopstick house. Great for a lesson in creativity and engineering!
Books
- “Chopsticks” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: A delightful tale of two chopsticks who do everything together until one of them gets hurt, teaching kids about friendship and independence.
- “The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale” by Ying Chang Compestine and Sebastià Serra – A story set around Chinese New Year, where a boy trades the family’s last few eggs for a magic wok that changes his family’s fortunes.
- “Hiromi’s Hands” by Lynne Barasch – Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of Hiromi, a Japanese-American girl who learns the art of sushi making from her father and the importance of the traditional tools, including chopsticks.
- “Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando” by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz – This inspiring book tells the story of the invention of instant ramen by Momofuku Ando, offering a subtle nod to the use of chopsticks in enjoying this quick meal.
- “Maggie’s Chopsticks” by Alan Woo – the story of a young girl named Maggie who is learning how to use chopsticks. Despite her family’s encouragement, Maggie finds it difficult and feels clumsy compared to her relatives, who each have their unique style of using chopsticks.
Videos/Documentaries
Whether you’re a kid eager to learn, a parent on the hunt for something educational, or just someone who loves using chopsticks, these two videos are perfect for you. They give you a peek into why chopsticks are so important in many cultures and have been around for ages.
- “Why do the Chinese Use Chopsticks” – A short, animated video that’s perfect for kids, explaining the origins and cultural significance of chopsticks.
- “How Chopsticks Are Made” – Discover fascinating documentaries on YouTube that show the detailed process of making chopsticks, from bamboo forests to your dining table.
Fun Trivia
People believe chopsticks have been used for a very long time, from 3,000 to 5,000 years! They first started being used in China. There’s a story that a wise man named Confucius, who didn’t like violence, helped make them popular. He thought that sharp things like knives, which could remind people of fighting, shouldn’t be used when eating.
Recipe
Today, we’re going to make Rainbow Veggie Sushi Rolls that are not only super fun to look at but also delicious and healthy. No raw fish here, so it’s perfect for our young sushi fans. Get your chopsticks ready!
Letterboard Quote
Kid Friendly Sushi
Ingredients Needed:
- Sushi Rice: 2 cups of sushi or short-grain rice
- Rice Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Nori Sheets: seaweed sheets, about 4-6
- Veggies for Filling:
- Cucumber, julienned
- Carrot, julienned (tip: steam slightly to soften for little teeth)
- Avocado, sliced
- Bell peppers, various colors, thinly sliced
- Purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- Optional: cream cheese or tofu for extra protein
- Bamboo Sushi Mat: for rolling the sushi (or you can use parchment paper as a substitute)
- Plastic Wrap: to cover the bamboo mat and prevent sticking
- Soy Sauce, Pickled Ginger, and Wasabi: for serving (optional, based on taste preferences)
Let’s Make Sushi!
Step 1: Prep the Rice 🍚
- Rinse your sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is my absolute favorite Japanese rice strainer
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool a bit.
- In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar and salt until everything dissolves.
- Gently fold the vinegar mixture into your cooked rice. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Ready, Set, Veggies! 🥒🥕
- While the rice is cooling, prepare your veggies by cutting them into long, thin strips. This is a great time for the kids to pick their favorite colors and veggies!
Step 3: Rolling Time! 🍣
- Place your bamboo mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap to keep things clean.
- Lay a nori sheet on the mat, shiny side down.
- Wet your hands (to prevent sticking) and spread a thin layer of rice onto the nori, leaving about an inch empty at the top.
- Arrange your rainbow veggies in a line at the bottom of the rice-covered nori.
- If you like, add a strip of cream cheese or tofu for extra creaminess and protein.
Step 4: Let’s Roll!
- Carefully start rolling your sushi using the bamboo mat, pressing gently but firmly as you roll to keep everything tight.
- Once rolled, use a sharp, wet knife to slice your sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Feast! 🎉
Arrange your beautiful Rainbow Veggie Sushi Rolls on a plate, and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and a tiny bit of wasabi (if you’re adventurous!). Now, it’s time to grab your chopsticks (or fingers, we don’t judge!) and enjoy the sushi party.
Cooking Tips:
- Fun with Shapes: Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes. Kids love variety and might be more eager to eat something they’ve helped create.
- Safety First: Always supervise the little ones, especially with sharp knives and when handling the stove.
- Be Creative: This recipe is all about creativity and personal preference. Let the kids choose their veggies and even design their own rolls.
Confucius Quote: It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
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