Tortoise Cucumber Bites

The Tortoise and the Hare and Cooking Activity

Read the story of The Tortoise and The Hare

Ingredients:
Cucumbers (cut into thick slices)
Grape or cherry tomatoes (for legs and head)
Hummus or cream cheese (for topping)
Black sesame seeds or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Toothpicks (optional, for assembling)
Crackers (as an alternative shell base)


Directions:
Slice cucumbers into thick rounds—these will be the tortoise shells.
Spread a small amount of hummus or cream cheese on top of each slice.
Cut grape tomatoes in half for the tortoise’s head and legs. Use four tomato halves for the legs and one for the head.
Arrange the tomato pieces around the cucumber slice to resemble legs and head.
Add two tiny sesame seeds or chocolate chips on the "head" for eyes. Use a toothpick to help set them if needed.
Serve on a platter and let the kids admire (and eat!) their slow-and-steady snacks.


Discussion Questions (Tortoise-Focused)
How did the tortoise show determination in the story?
What are some things you can do slowly and carefully in life?
Can you think of a time you accomplished something by being steady and consistent?
What kind of animal would you be in a race—the fast hare or the slow tortoise? Why?


Add-On Craft & Learning Ideas
Tortoise Shell Craft: Decorate paper bowls with hexagon cutouts or paint to resemble tortoise shells.
Tortoise Movement Game: Play a slow-motion “freeze race” where kids have to move slowly like tortoises and stop when you say “nap!” (like the hare).
Compare and Contrast: Create a chart comparing the traits of the tortoise and hare (e.g., fast/slow, confident/patient).