September 9th is National Ants On A Log Day #AntsOnALogDay. I remember when I first learned about Ants On A Log which was a cooking class Charlie was taking at the Hurst Library when Charlie was in Pre-School. How did you learn about Ants On A Log?
Did you know National Ants on a Log Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday of September in honor of a protein-packed snack everyone loves which falls on September 9th this year. Playing on the words, the ‘Ant on a Log’ is actually celery, coated with peanut butter and topped with raisins.
As kids go back to school, this iconic American snack is the brain food they need to stay recharged throughout the day. If you are a fan of peanut butter, occasionally enjoy celery, and can tolerate raisins, Ants On A Love is the perfect #holiday for you.
Did you know you can celebrate National Ants on a Log Day with Fun Homeschool Lessons on September 9th which is a perfect excuse to mix nutrition, creativity, and learning—all centered around the classic snack: celery + peanut butter + raisins = “Ants on a Log”!
Here’s a themed homeschool lesson plan that blends food, science, literacy, and play:
Science & Nutrition
- Snack Anatomy: Teach kids about the nutritional value of each ingredient:
- Celery: hydration and fiber
- Peanut Butter: protein and healthy fats
- Raisins: natural sugars and antioxidants
- Food Origins: Explore where peanuts, celery, and raisins come from. Use maps to trace their agricultural roots.
Literacy & Reading
- Read “Ants on a Log” by Beryl Reichenberg or “Hey, Little Ant” by Phillip and Hannah Hoose.
- Writing Prompt: “If you were an ant, what would your log look like?”
- Vocabulary: Introduce words like “protein,” “fiber,” “snack,” “ingredient,” and “balance.”
Art & Creativity
- Craft Time: Make paper celery sticks and glue on “ants” (black pom-poms or raisins).
- Coloring Pages: Use ant-themed printables and mazes.
- Design Your Own Snack: Let kids invent a new version of “Ants on a Log” using different ingredients (e.g., banana slices, cream cheese, chocolate chips).
Math Fun
- Count raisins on each log and graph the results.
- Use celery sticks to measure objects around the house.
- Practice fractions by slicing celery and dividing peanut butter portions.
Games & Activities
- Play “Ants at the Picnic” or “Ants in Our Pants”.
- Set up a pretend “Ant Restaurant” where kids serve their snack creations.
Celebrate & Reflect
- Host a mini snack party and let kids share what they learned.
- Discuss the importance of healthy snacking and how food fuels learning.
Recipe for Ants on a Log:
Ingredients
- 3 Celery sticks (cut in half to make 6 logs)
- ¼ cup creamy Peanut Butter
- Raisins
Instructions
- Prep the logs: Wash the celery sticks and slice each one in half.
- Spread the filling: Spoon peanut butter into the groove of each celery stick and spread evenly.
- Add the ants: Press raisins into the peanut butter—these are your “ants” marching along the log.
Want to mix it up?
- Swap peanut butter for cream cheese, hummus, or guacamole.
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries, blueberries, or even chocolate chips for a treat.
Ant’s On A Log is a crunchy, creamy, sweet-and-savory combo that’s perfect for snack time for anyone that can have Peanut Butter.
If your teaching your children to cook or hosting a #Homeschool Cooking class arrange a ‘Do it Yourself’ snack station”. In this DIY exercise, let the participants make their own Ants On a Log with a diverse set of ingredients. Allow them to use their creativity by attempting other variations like Ants on a Snowy Log (ricotta cheese version) or Ants on Vacation (without raisins).
If you want help turning Ants On A Log into a full week of themed learning leave me a comment and I will share more ideas with you.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
