⁣⁣Lesson Plan: How to Cut Tomatoes Like a Ninja: Master the Art of Precise Tomato Slicing

⁣⁣Lesson Plan: How to Cut Tomatoes Like a Ninja: Master the Art of Precise Tomato Slicing

Grade Level: 3-5

Subject: Life Skills/Cooking

Objective: Students will learn proper knife skills and techniques to cut tomatoes like a pro, emphasizing safety and precision in the kitchen.

Materials Needed:
- Ripe tomatoes
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife or serrated knife
- Safety gloves (optional)
- Paper towels or kitchen towels
- Small bowls or plates for sliced tomatoes

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Engage students by discussing the importance of knife skills in the kitchen and the benefits of being able to cut tomatoes like a pro.
- Explain that the goal of the lesson is to teach them the proper techniques to slice tomatoes with precision, like a ninja.

2. Safety Precautions (5 minutes):
- Emphasize the importance of safety when working with knives, including proper hand placement and keeping fingers away from the blade.
- Instruct students to always use a cutting board and consider wearing safety gloves if they feel more comfortable.

3. Tomato Selection and Preparation (10 minutes):
- Show students the ripe tomatoes and explain the importance of choosing tomatoes that are firm yet ripe for easier slicing.
- Demonstrate how to wash and dry the tomatoes using paper towels or kitchen towels.

4. Knife Selection and Grip (10 minutes):
- Show the students the chef's knife or serrated knife and explain the difference between the two.
- Demonstrate the proper grip by holding the knife with fingers curled under and thumb resting on the blade's side.

5. Ninja Slicing Techniques (15 minutes):
- Show students the proper technique to slice tomatoes like a ninja:
- Hold the tomato steady with one hand, using your fingertips to grip the top.
- Position the knife at a slight angle, starting from the top of the tomato, and slice through with a smooth, gentle motion.
- Encourage students to practice the technique, providing guidance and feedback as needed.

6. Presentation and Plating (10 minutes):
- Instruct students to carefully transfer their sliced tomatoes onto small bowls or plates, arranging them neatly.
- Discuss presentation techniques, such as creating tomato rose garnishes or stacking the slices for a visually appealing presentation.

7. Clean-up and Discussion (10 minutes):
- Instruct students to properly clean up their workspaces, disposing of any waste materials and washing the cutting board and knife.
- Engage students in a discussion about the importance of knife skills and precision in cooking, highlighting the benefits of mastering these techniques.

Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.3: Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.5: Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.

How to cut tomatoes quickly and easily using plates and a sharp knife. Great cooking and kitchen tip, and a fun life hack. Perfect for small cherry tomatoes, and ideal if you need to cut a lot of them for a salad. This video was shown on Sunday Brunch, Channel 4, UK.Other Videos:Cooking tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Bnl0zB8kUMake amazing pancakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq1Sn9vERcUMake a lego key holder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TdYhkVutkQMake a phone or tablet stand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFdJJmj_znAMusic: Hand Trolley - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)