Even though I’m a mom now, I’ll be totally honest. With all the decisions so many of you have had to make regarding school this year, I am thankful not to have had to make some of those difficult calls just yet. I know everyone is doing things differently — from family unit to city to state… from homeschooling, to virtual schooling, to group schooling, to in-person schooling. Hats off to YOU ALL! Despite these crazy times and everyone trying their best for safety, normalcy, etc., I have been so inspired by some of the creativity I’ve seen for at-home work stations, routines, and more. I admire how so many parents have adapted and sacrificed to become teachers, supporters, and total rockstars. And, all the teachers who have emerged as leaders, working to create new environments… bravo! While some of you have been back in school for a while, others are just now starting and it seemed only fitting for this month’s board theme to be… Back to School, of course 😉
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Kids Snack Charcuterie Board
With more people than ever holding some sort of schooling component at home, I can totally appreciate those of you making efforts to break up the monotony of the day. We are all about snack foods, made into meals here and there are so many ideas for kids to join in on the fun with a grazing board, filled with favorites alongside healthy options. For September’s Back to School “Board of the Month”, here’s what we came up with…
Along with most of the boards and ideas I share, this one is a beast. As always, it can be abbreviated and pared down, depending on who’s partaking. Along with some regular favorites, creating a special smorgasbord of options is a good way to sneak in a few things the kids maybe haven’t tried before. You know your kids best and the limits that can be pushed 😉
Aside from little mandarin orange cups with spoons, I kept the nibbles to finger-foods only.
One of the great things about this kind of board — you probably already have every ingredient and snack you need on hand. This could even be a great Friday tradition treat and also a way to clear out the pantry and fridge for the coming week’s groceries!
- use lots of colors!
- add it to a skewer
- cut it in a fun shape
- add a dip
- go for miniature sizes
- add a treat (nutella spread, cookies, brownie bites, etc.)
While this snack-style charcuterie board is chock full of kid-friendly options, there’s no age limit and no rules. Our entire house (including my mom and Eliza) made more than a meal out of everything shown here. And while it’s a fun option to promote a positive home-study culture for younger kids, it’s great for homework sessions for the young adults, too. You can even involve your student(s) in the board(s) — both in choosing and assembling the ingredients — as a home ec. learning experience.
What Kid-Friendly Charcuterie Snacks Are On the Board?
While the options are endless, here are some of the classics we included on the board:
- turkey roll-ups w/ cheese cubes
- grapes
- crackers
- pimento cheese spread
- PB&J sandwiches, cut into hearts
- yogurt covered fruit snacks
- mandarin oranges
- graham crackers w/ nutella spread
- mini pretzels
- ants on a log (celery, peanut butter and raisins)
- cheese sandwich crackers
- snack peppers w/ veggie cream cheese and Everything seasoning
- carrots
- cucumbers
- tomatoes
- ranch dressing
- pretzels
- veggie cream cheese
- goldfish
- trail mix
- cinnamon alphabet cookies
- apple slices
- caramel dip
- naan bread with blueberry spread
- berries
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If you’re a parent, teacher or student and have advice, tips, or any special routines/plans you’ve implemented for the new school year, share them below in the comment section! As always, you can subscribe to my emails at the bottom of the post to make sure you never miss a monthly board theme 😉
A FEW OTHER BOARDS YOU MAY LIKE
- January Board of the Month: Wings n’ Things
- February Board of the Month: Valentine’s Treats
- March Board of the Month: Rise & Shine Breakfast Board
- April Board of the Month: Easter Candies
- May Board of the Month: Nacho Bar Fiesta
- June Board of the Month: Barbecue Charcuterie Board
- July Board of the Month: Red, White & Blue Board
- August Board of the Month: Build Your Own Burger
- St. Patrick’s Day Boards — 3 Ways
- Caramel Apple Board
- Fondue Dessert Board
So inspiring, Kelley! As a Nana to a high school junior, a second grader and a kindergarten-er, I will share these ideas with my daughter-in-law (who is a teacher!) and is shuffling schedules like mad! So many of these snack options can be made ahead or prepared in seconds! Thank so much!
Sharon, Thank you so much! I so appreciate your feedback. In our house, we all enjoyed the “spoils,” from toddler Eliza to Gran Nan. You are right, these are very quick snack options.
Such a fun theme Kelley! I love that you have mixed the healthy with the treats!
Mansa, Thank you! This was a fun one to plan, shop for and to do. We have really enjoyed the fruits and the crudites. Eliza also had some fun with those graham crackers spread with Nutella, as you might imagine. xoxo
Love this fun board and its components so much! Those ants on a log and apples with caramel dip are such fun throwbacks, along with the rest. This is a great thing for the kids to look forward to during or after school. Your boards are the absolute best!
Nan, This was such a fun board to do. I had so much fun with the throwbacks! Always loved apples with caramel dip as a treat when I was a kid. I was also happy to find and include some “newer” and improved items, like the mini cukes! They are delicious and Eliza loves them.
Looks amazing!!
A little bit of everything for everyone 🙂
Dina, Thank you so much! You are so right, we found that we all have our favorites that were included on the board. It’s been fun to have these items for snacks in our home. I appreciate you taking the time to visit! xoxo
Could this be any cuter?! I totally want to do it with my littles! I also went back and looked at your other boards, and each one is truly a work of art. My husband especially likes the treats ones!
Back to school time this year has definitely not been the exciting milestone it ordinarily is; but something that has been helpful for us is–since we are full-time online–letting our preschooler participate a little bit with what our first-grader is doing. She gets to say her letters and their sounds with big brother which is fun for everyone, and means I don’t have quite as much multitasking to do.
Hi Elisabeth, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by to view my boards! They are so much fun to do and I especially liked this month’s theme. I know it’s a very tough and different school year. It sounds like you are doing things just right to include your littlest one with your first grader. I hope you will do this board with your littles. I bet they will love it!
This came at the PERFECT time Kelley!
My four boys are literally hungry all day long so this is a perfect way for me to feed them en mass and not be in the kitchen ALL day. Thank you!!
Elise, Yay and I am so glad that this is helpful to you. I can’t even imagine feeding four hungry boys every day. I bet you need a bigger board! xoxo
Finally a “kid-friendly” idea that kids will actually love! This is brilliant, you nailed what kids (at least my littles) will eat, and I love that it has so many healthy elements and low in sugar. Can’t wait to make this for my 2 yr olds birthday party. Thank you!
Hi Valerie, The “Back To School” board was so much fun to shop for and to create. I love that you will be doing the same for your 2 yr. old’s birthday party. I bet it will be a hit with everyone. I would love to see the result! Have fun planning and creating your birthday board!