Crookneck Squash Row

Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Preschool Fun With Fruits and Vegetables

Booklet 2
Welcome to...

Crookneck Squash Row at Tasty Acres Farm!

There is a curve waiting on the end of the vines at Crookneck Squash Row. It is the yellow, crookneck 

squash, a vegetable that children find intriguing. The children explore this unique vegetable experiencing 

how a crookneck squash looks, feels, smells, and tastes. Children learn how crookneck squash are grown, 

harvested, and shipped from the farm to farmers’ markets and stores. Enjoyable tasting activities are 

also in store. From crookneck squash quick bread to pasta salad, children are treated to a variety of 

crookneck squash tastes. Growing at Home materials help shape family fun with Crookneck Squash 

recipes and activities. 

Variation: If crookneck squash is not available in your area substitute another summer squash, such as 

yellow, sunburst, or patty pan squash. 

What’s Inside

Crookneck Squash Row Lessons

Planning Chart for Crookneck Squash Row Activities...............................................................................................................1

A: Lots to Know About Squash Hands-On Activities.................................................................................................................2

1. Feel That Curvy Shape?.....................................................................................................................................................................2

2. Crookneck Squash...A Look Inside...........................................................................................................................................4

3. Crookneck Squash Sandwiches....................................................................................................................................................6

B: Crookneck Squash...Where Do You Come From? Planting Activities................................................................................8

1. Crookneck Squash Start as Seeds..............................................................................................................................................8

2. Plant a Crookneck Squash Seed...............................................................................................................................................10

3. Plant a Crookneck Squash Seed or Start Outdoors....................................................................................................12

C: Crookneck Squash Stories and Songs......................................................................................................................................14

1. Cool Puppy Pup’s Crookneck Squash Lunch Party Video.........................................................................................14

2. Reading Activity ..................................................................................................................................................................................16 

3. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Crookneck Squash Style..............................................................................................18

D: Introducing MyPlate Nutrition Education Activities.........................................................................................................20

1. Savor the Flavor of Squash...........................................................................................................................................................20

2. Gosh, I Love Squash!........................................................................................................................................................................26

 a. Crookneck Squash Pasta Salad Recipe.............................................................................................................................28

Growing at Home Materials

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #1

1. Letter to Home #1..........................................................................................................................................................................30

2. Squash Quick Bread Recipe........................................................................................................................................................31

3. Crookneck Squash Are Fun to Color Activity ..................................................................................................................32

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #2

1. Letter to Home #2..........................................................................................................................................................................33

2. Squash Vegetable Soup Recipe..................................................................................................................................................34

3. What Crookneck Squash Needs to Grow Activity .......................................................................................................35

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #3

1. Letter to Home #3..........................................................................................................................................................................36

2. Crookneck Squash Pasta Salad Recipe .................................................................................................................................37

3. Counting Crookneck Squash Seeds Activity......................................................................................................................38
ii

A Plan for Organizing Crookneck Squash Row Activities

Check with local farms and farmers’ markets to find out when crookneck squash are in peak season. Crookneck squash are interesting and 

seeing crookneck squash growing makes a great farm field trip for 

preschoolers. If a farm is not nearby, visit a produce stand or farmers’ 

market to see fresh crookneck squash.

The Crookneck Squash Row lesson plans are designed to be used 

in their entirety but if your center does not have the time, space or 

resources to do all the activities select the activities best suited to 

your center’s environment and available resources from Section A: 

hands-on activities, Section B: planting activities, Section C: crookneck 

squash stories and songs, and Section D: nutrition education activities. 

Be sure that the activities you choose help the children meet the 

objectives listed at the beginning of each lesson plan section. If 

possible, do the planting activities and enjoy crookneck squash for 

several weeks. It is an easy vegetable to grow and can be planted in a 

shrub bed or large container.

Here is one way to arrange the activities in your Crookneck Squash 

Row. Most activities require only 10-15 minutes; pick a few for each 

day. In this example, all of the activities from the lesson plans are 

completed, but spaced out over a 5-day period. Additionally, two 

activities from the Garden Art and Crafts Section in Booklet 1, are 

added. These activities are fun and useful ways to help reinforce 

the objectives of each activity. On page 19, it gives tips for creating 

successful projects and ideas for harvesting fun month after month. 

The Garden Art and Crafts chart connects the art and crafts to the 

lesson activities.

Most activities require 

only 10-15 minutes; 

pick a few for each 

day. In this example, 

all of the activities 

from the lesson plans 

are completed, but 

spaced out over a 

5-day period.
Crookneck Squash Row 1

Planning Chart for Crookneck Squash Row Activities

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

A1

Feel That Curvy Shape

Hands-on Activity

A3 

Crookneck Squash 

Sandwiches 

Hands-on Activity

C1 

Cool Puppy Pup Video

B3

Plant a Crookneck 

Squash Seed or 

Start Outdoors

Planting Activity

D1

Savor the Flavor

of Squash Nutrition 

Education Activity

A2 

Crookneck Squash

A Look Inside

Hands-on Activity

C2 

Reading Activity

B2 

Plant a Crookneck 

Squash Seed

C3 

Old MacDonald Had

a Farm Song, 

Crookneck Squash Style

D2 

Gosh, I Love Squash! 

Nutrition Education 

Activity

Garden Art 

Bookmarks B1 

Crookneck Squash 

Start as Seeds

Planting Activity 

C3 

Old MacDonald Had a 

Farm Song, Crookneck 

Squash Style

Garden Craft 

Seed Art C3 

Old MacDonald Had a 

Farm Song, Crookneck 

Squash Style

Send home 

Growing at Home

Materials #1

Send home 

Growing at Home

Materials #2

C2

Reading Activity

Send home 

Growing at Home

Materials #3

Revisit the Farm: Rainy Day Fun All Year Long 

When the weather changes your outdoor plans, the activities from Tasty Acres Farm provide a welcome 

opportunity to revisit and remember all the fun and flavor of Grow It, Try It, Like It! Sing the songs, watch 

the video segments, and use the Garden Art and Crafts Section in Booklet1for ideas. Make a rainy day 

one to reconnect with these fruits and vegetables. 

More Ways To Grow – The Crookneck Squash Row unit can be included in other areas of the curriculum. 

Complementary themes include:

Foods – Vegetables Shapes – Curves, Circles Colors – Yellow, White Seasons – Summer 

Opposites – Inside & Outside Plants – Vines, Squash Alphabet – C, S words Body – Senses
2 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Growing at Home Introduction Letter and Hand Washing and Polite 

Tasting Guidelines: Send a copy of these resources home before 

starting the first unit in Grow It, Try It, Like It! If you have already 

sent these resources home, you may omit this step. (See Booklet 

1, Tool Shed Resources, page 42-44.)

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #1: Send a copy of this 

resource home with each child at the start of Section A activities. 

Variation: Substitute another summer squash, such as yellow, 

zucchini, sunburst, or patty pan squash for crookneck squash. 

A1: Feel That Curvy Shape 

Use the Mystery Box/Bag to create interest by having the 

children feel the outside of a crookneck squash before revealing 

the “mystery” item to all. 

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Identify a crookneck squash as a light weight, yellow vegetable 

with a curved neck;

< Describe the outside appearance and smell of a crookneck 

squash.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, for 

directions).

< If this is the first activity involving food tasting, talk with the 

children about polite food tasting habits (see Booklet 1, Tool 

Shed Resources, page 44, for details).

A. Lots to Know About Squash 

Hands-On Activities 

Materials Needed

< Two crookneck squash, 

well-scrubbed 

< Container for crookneck 

squash pieces 

< Serving spoon and napkins

< Mystery Box/Bag 

< Paper and pencil 

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare bite-size pieces of 

crookneck squash and keep 

these pieces out of sight.

< Place one well-scrubbed 

whole crookneck squash in 

the Mystery Box/Bag. 

< Make copies of Crookneck 

Squash Growing at Home 

#1–one set per child.

< Review Make a Mystery 

Box or Bag, as needed 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 45).
Crookneck Squash Row 3

Activity Length: 

15 minutes

The Activity

< Introduce the Mystery Box/Bag, or reintroduce it if you have 

used it before. 

< One at a time, ask each child to come and feel inside the box 

or bag without looking. If a child seems afraid, feel inside the 

box/bag with the child. 

< Ask each child to describe quietly to you what he/she feels. 

< After everyone has guessed, reveal the crookneck squash. Let 

each child hold the crookneck squash if desired.

< Note the children’s guesses that were close (curved, crooked, 

a plant, food) or correct (crookneck squash).

< Talk about the crookneck squash. Ask the questions below 

and any other questions you like.

▶ Is a crookneck squash a fruit or a vegetable? (Vegetable) 

▶ What shape is it? (Curved like a cane) 

▶ What color is it? (Light yellow) 

▶ How does the outside of it feel? (Smooth) 

▶ Is it light or heavy? (Light) 

▶ Is it soft or hard? (Hard)

▶ Does it have a smell? (May have no smell or smell earthy)

▶ Has anyone ever tasted a crookneck squash? (Yes or No)

Activity Conclusion–Tasting

< Conclude the lesson by offering the children a piece of 

crookneck squash to taste. 

< As necessary, remind the children how the group follows 

polite tasting manners. 

Words To Grow

Vegetable Curve

Smooth Light (weight)

Yellow Crookneck 

Squash
4 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

A2: Crookneck Squash...A Look Inside

Engage all the senses! The children will see and feel the inside of a 

crookneck squash, then smell and taste it. 

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Describe the appearance, smell, and taste of a 

crookneck squash;

< Tell that all of the crookneck squash can be eaten including 

the seeds, flesh, and peel.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing 

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, 

for directions).

Materials Needed

< Crookneck squash (can be 

the one used in Activity A1)

< Sharp knife

< Cutting board or surface 

< Damp cloth and dry towel 

for wiping and drying hands

< Paper plates and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare the crookneck 

squash-wash the outside of 

the crookneck squash well.

< Assemble supplies; keep the 

knife in a safe place until 

ready to use.

The Activity

< Have the children gather around the area with the crookneck 

squash and cutting board. Review with children how to be 

safe around sharp knives: only adults use them, children keep 

their hands away, and do not touch sharp knives.

< Review what was learned about crookneck squash in Activity 

A1. If you didn’t do Activity A1, tell the children you have a 

crookneck squash to share today.

< Tell the children crookneck squash grow on the ground. We 

have to wash the outside very well to remove soil and germs 

before we cut it open. Tell the children you have already 

washed the crookneck squash.

< Cut the crookneck squash in half to reveal the inside. Let the 

children know they will get to touch the inside if they want a 

little later. 

< Cut a section of crookneck squash into small wedges with 

the peel and seeds intact. On a plate, give each child a small 

wedge of crookneck squash to look at, touch, and smell.

Activity Length: 

15 minutes
Crookneck Squash Row 5

Words To Grow

Seeds Flesh

Peel Smooth

Cool Yellow

White Mild

Crunchy

Activity continued...

< Talk with the children about the inside of the crookneck 

squash. Ask the following questions and ask additional 

questions if you like. 

▶ What color is the inside of the crookneck squash? 

(White) 

▶ What does the inside of the crookneck squash look like? 

(Seeds and white flesh of the crookneck squash) 

▶ How does the inside feel? (The flesh feels smooth and 

firm, the seeds feel like small, flat bumps)

▶ How does the crookneck squash smell? (Mild, earthy, or 

no smell) 

Tasting Activity

< Once the children have explored their own piece of 

crookneck squash, invite them to taste the crookneck squash. 

Tell the children that all of the parts of the squash may be 

eaten: flesh, seeds, and peel.

< How does the crookneck squash feel in their mouth? 

(Smooth, firm, crunchy)

< How does the crookneck squash taste? (Mild)

< After everyone has sampled their own crookneck squash 

wedge, invite the children to come to the board and feel the 

squash half with the seeds.

< After the children have felt the half with seeds, have the 

children wipe their hands on the damp cloth and dry with 

the towel. 

< Cover and refrigerate any remaining untouched crookneck 

squash for use in the next day or two in future activities 

or snacks.

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts 

Garden Bookmark Art 

Activity: Have the children 

make Garden Bookmarks, with 

drawings of crookneck squash 

on them for a creative connection to this activity (see Booklet 1, Garden Art and Crafts 

Section, page 28).
6 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

A3: Crookneck Squash Sandwiches 

The children make sandwiches with crookneck squash slices. 

They explore the feel, smell, and taste of crookneck squash.

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Make a simple snack with crookneck squash; 

< Taste a new food featuring crookneck squash.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing 

< Explain that we always wash our hands before preparing and 

eating food. Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 

1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, for directions). Materials Needed

< Crookneck squash, about 

1-2 inches in diameter 

< Mozzarella or cheddar 

cheese slices

< Plates and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare crookneck squashwash the outside of the 

crookneck squash well and 

cut into 1⁄4-inch slices, two 

per child.

< Cut cheese slices into 

triangles or squares, one 

slice per child.

< Prepare a plate for each 

child with two slices of squash 

and one piece of cheese on 

the plate.
Crookneck Squash Row 7

Activity Length: 

10 minutes

The Activity

< Have each child seated at the table(s). 

< Explain that we always wash crookneck squash under running 

water before they are eaten. Tell the children you have 

already washed the crookneck squash.

< Give each child a paper plate with at least two thin slices of 

crookneck squash and one slice of cheese.

< Tell the children they are going to make a sandwich with 

crookneck squash. 

< Show the children how to place the cheese between the 

crookneck squash slices to make a sandwich. Have the 

children note the difference in shapes between the round 

squash slice and the triangle or square cheese slice in the 

sandwich.

< Remind the children of the interesting curved shape of a 

crookneck squash.

< After making the crookneck squash sandwiches, invite the 

children to eat their snack. 

< As the children eat, ask them to describe how the crookneck 

squash:

▶ smells (mild); 

▶ feels in the mouth (cool, smooth, firm, and crunchy); and

▶ tastes (fresh).

Words To Grow

Slice Smooth

Cool Firm

Crunchy Round

Triangle Cheese
8 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #2: Send a copy of this 

resource home with each child at the start of Section B activities.

B1: Crookneck Squash Start as Seeds

The children see and touch crookneck squash seeds and learn 

how far apart to plant seeds. 

Objectives

The children will be able to:

< Describe how a crookneck squash grows from a seed into a 

plant that produces crookneck squash;

< Describe the resources needed to grow crookneck squash.

B. Crookneck Squash...

Where Do You Come From? 

Planting Activities 

Materials Needed

< Crookneck squash 

seed packet

< Yardstick or two 12” rulers

< Drawing of crookneck squash 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, pages 61-62)

< Crookneck squash

< Fork or tongs

< Napkins

< Optional: Ranch dressing, 

or if you have completed 

the spinach activities, Dilly 

Spinach Dip (see Spinach 

Lane Growing at Home #1 

Materials, page 31)

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare crookneck squash 

sticks for tasting.

< Assemble materials in 

central area.

< Make copies of Crookneck 

Squash Growing at Home 

#2–one set per child.
Crookneck Squash Row 9

Activity Length: 

10 minutes

Words To Grow

Seeds Soil

Sun Water

Space Plants

The Activity

< Tell the children they will learn about how crookneck squash 

grow. Show the children the crookneck squash seeds. Tell 

them the seeds are similar to the ones from the inside of 

the crookneck squash. People buy packets of seeds to grow 

crookneck squash in gardens.

< Pass the seeds around. Let the children touch and count 

the seeds.

< Explain that the crookneck squash seeds are planted at least 

2 feet apart in the soil. The crookneck squash plants need 

enough room to spread out when they grow. Have two 

children hold the rulers between them to show the distance. 

Have the children return to the group.

< Explain that the crookneck squash seeds are planted in the 

soil in the spring. The sun and rain help them grow into long 

vines above the ground. Yellow flowers bloom on the vines. 

Where the flowers bloom on the vines, crookneck squash 

will grow during the summer. Show drawing of crookneck 

squash growing on the vine in a field.

< Explain that crookneck squash are picked when they are 

tender and still have a shiny or glossy appearance. Squash 

stems and leaf stalks are prickly so it is best to wear 

gardening gloves when picking squash. Show drawing of 

ripe crookneck squash in a field. The squash are taken to a 

store or a farmers’ market where people buy them and take 

them home to eat. Show drawing of crookneck squash at a 

farmers’ market.

< Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 1, 

Tool Shed Resources, page 43, for directions).

< Offer crookneck squash sticks for tasting, using a fork or 

tongs to serve. Note that sticks are straight, not curved like 

the whole crookneck squash. Serve squash sticks with dip, 

if desired.

Connection to Garden

Art and Crafts

Gardening Gloves Craft 

Activity: Make Gardening 

Gloves for growing crookneck 

squash. Explain to the children 

that squash stems and leaves are 

prickly and gloves can protect 

the hands of those picking 

squash (see Booklet 1, Garden 

Art and Crafts Section, page 37).
10 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

B2: Plant a Crookneck Squash Seed 

The children plant crookneck squash seeds in the soil and 

learn what the seeds need to grow. (See Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, Grow Seedlings Indoors, page 53.)

Objectives 

The children will be able to: 

< Describe the resources needed to grow crookneck squash;

< Experience planting a crookneck squash seed.

Optional Activity: How to Grow a Seedling in a Bag (see Booklet 

1, Tool Shed Resources, page 52). Display this visual in the 

classroom. Check daily for progress and compare to the growth 

of the children’s plants 

Materials Needed

< Crookneck squash 

seed packets 

< 5 to 6 ounce paper cups, 

one per child 

< Potting mix or soil 

< Water for soil in a small 

spray bottle 

< Plastic spoons or scoops, one 

per child 

< Unsharpened pencils, with a 

line marking 1⁄2 inch 

< Water proof pens or markers 

< Wooden craft sticks

< Table covers, if desired

< Smocks for the children, 

optional 

< Sunny location and/or 

fluorescent lights if planning 

to grow plants indoors

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare potting mix or soil. 

< Divide into containers, one 

for every three children.

< Write Crookneck Squash on 

the wooden plant marker. 

< At the table(s), place a small 

paper cup, three seeds, and a 

plastic spoon per child. 

< Put a small scoop in each 

container of potting soil if not 

using spoons.

< Plan to serve Squash 

Vegetable Soup at snack or 

mealtime (see Crookneck 

Squash Growing at Home #2 

recipe, page 34).

The Activity

< Help each child write his/her name on their cup. 

< During the activity, help the children:

▶ Fill their cups about three-quarters full with moist 

potting soil. 

▶ Gently tap the sides and bottom of their container with 

their index finger to settle but not pack the soil. 

▶ Poke three holes in the soil spaced around the cup. 

Use the marked unsharpened pencil to make holes 

1⁄2 inch deep.

▶ Place a seed in each hole and gently cover the seeds 

with soil. 

▶ Lightly spray water over the top of the soil; help any 

children needing assistance.

▶ If using wooden plant markers, stick one in the soil close 

to the inside curve of the cup.

< During the activity, tell the children:

▶ The seeds will grow in the potting soil as plants grow in 

the soil outside.

▶ The seeds need soil, water, light, and warmth to grow 

into plants.

Activity Length: 

15 minutes
Crookneck Squash Row 11

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Decorated Garden Bag: 

Have each child make a Decorated Garden Bag by drawing 

pictures of crookneck squash 

on them. Use the crookneck 

squash Decorated Garden Bags

to send home each child’s cup 

of planted crookneck seeds 

(see Booklet1, Garden Art and 

Crafts Section, page 27).

Activity continued...

▶ Inside, we can use lights to give plants warmth and light, 

just as the sun helps outside plants grow. 

▶ The seeds will grow first into very small plants (seedlings), 

then into larger plants. These larger plants, if planted 

outside in a garden, will continue to grow with sunlight 

and water. Crookneck squash will grow on the 

larger plants. 

< Have the children set their cups in a sunny spot or 

under lights. 

< Have the children check their cups weekly to see the 

progress of the seeds growing into plants.

Activity Connection to Snack or Mealtime

While eating Squash Vegetable Soup at snack or mealtime, talk 

about how the seeds planted in the soil will grow plants. The 

plants will grow and produce crookneck squash after a summer 

of water, sun, and warmth.
12 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

B3: Plant a Crookneck Squash Seed or Start Outdoors 

The children plant crookneck squash seeds or plant start(s) and 

learn what crookneck squash seeds need to grow into plants.

Objectives 

The children will be able to: 

< Describe the resources needed to grow crookneck squash;

< Experience planting a crookneck squash seed or start.

Planting Options: 

< If you have grown crookneck squash seedlings from seeds 

inside and hardened the plants for outdoor planting, you can 

substitute the plants for the seed tape. 

< Follow the directions on the back of the crookneck squash 

seed packet to plant seeds directly into the ground. 

< You can also purchase crookneck squash starts at a 

greenhouse and plant directly into the ground. Refer to starts 

or plants instead of seeds during the activity. 

Materials Needed

< A crookneck squash 

seed tape 

< Garden or flowerbed, 12 feet 

or longer by 18 inches wide

< Hoe or trowel 

< Garden hose with sprinkler 

nozzle or watering can 

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare a seed tape (see 

Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, Make a Seed Tape, 

page 54).

< Prepare garden or flowerbed 

for planting by tilling (breaking 

up) and fertilizing the soil 

(Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, Green Thumb 

Guide, Gardening Outdoors, 

page 58).

< Plan to serve crookneck 

squash at snack or mealtime 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, Ten Terrific 

Ways..., page 48). 
Crookneck Squash Row 13

Activity Length: 

15 minutes

The Activity

< Take the children and the crookneck squash seeds or tape 

seed outside. Explain that today they will plant crookneck 

squash seeds and learn what seeds need to grow into plants.

< Point to the sun. Ask the children how the sunlight feels on 

their skin. (Warm) 

< Explain that the light and warmth of the sun helps crookneck 

squash seeds grow into plants that will produce more 

crookneck squash.

< Show the children the soil in a garden or flowerbed. Let 

them touch the soil. Ask them how the soil feels. (Wet or dry, 

hard or soft) Explain that crookneck squash seeds need soil 

to grow into plants. 

< Run some water from a hose or pour some from a container 

and let the children touch it. Ask how it feels. (Wet) Explain 

that water helps plants grow. Explain that water for plants 

usually comes as rain. Plants like crookneck squash need lots 

of water so farmers’ and gardeners use sprinklers in addition 

to rain to make sure the plants have plenty of water.

< Have the children help lay the prepared seed tapes in the 

soil at the preferred planting depth of 1⁄2 inch, cover with soil, 

and water. Remind the children of how far apart crookneck 

squash are planted (at least 2 feet apart).

Activity Connection to Snack or Mealtime

Talk about the crookneck squash seeds planted while eating 

crookneck squash at snack or mealtime.

 

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Garden Scene Note Cards: 

Have the children create a 

Crookneck Squash Garden 

Scene Note Card to send to a 

family member living in another 

town. The note cards can be 

mailed with a few seeds and 

growing instructions (see Booklet 1, Garden Art and Crafts 

Section, page 30).

Green Thumb Guide

Is space limited? Try planting 

crookneck squash in an existing 

shrub bed. Miniature varieties 

of crookneck squash also will 

grow in a large container; at 

least 2 feet deep and 2 feet in 

diameter (see Booklet 1, Tool 

Shed Resources, Container 

Gardens, page 55). To adapt this 

activity to plant in a container, 

see Plant a Strawberry Jar, 

Strawberry Patch B3.
14 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

C1: Cool Puppy Pup’s Crookneck Squash Lunch Party Video

View Cool Puppy Pup’s Crookneck Squash Lunch Party Segment 

with the children. Discuss the crookneck squash facts covered in 

this delightful video and have them try Cool Puppy Pup’s favorite 

way to eat crookneck squash.

Objective

The children will be able to describe how crookneck squash are 

grown, harvested, and eaten. Materials Needed

< Cool Puppy Pup DVD 

< TV and DVD Player

< Crookneck squash

< Margarine

< Plates, spoons, and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Cue the DVD to start at the 

Crookneck Squash segment.

< Prepare cooked and mashed 

crookneck squash with a 

little margarine; keep warm 

in the oven or reheat in the 

microwave before serving.

C. Crookneck Squash 

Stories and Songs 
Crookneck Squash Row 15

Activity Length: 

15 minutes

The Activity

< Gather the children and watch the Crookneck Squash 

segment of the video.

< After viewing the segment, ask the children to name their 

favorite part of the video. Use their responses to lead into 

a discussion about the video. During the discussion, include 

the questions below to review Cool Puppy Pup’s main points 

from the video segment.

< In the video, did Cool Puppy Pup say: 

▶ Crookneck squash was a fruit or a vegetable? (Vegetable)

▶ What shape is crookneck squash? (Fat and round on one 

end, thin and crooked on the other)

▶ What color is the outside rind? (Light yellow) How does 

it feel? (Smooth)

▶ Cool Puppy Pup said the inside of crookneck squash is 

what color? (White)

▶ Are crookneck squash’s small white seeds on its inside or 

outside? (Inside) 

▶ Did Cool Puppy Pup say we can eat the skin, the insides, 

and the seeds? (Yes)

< At Tasty Acres Farm the farmer talked about how crookneck 

squash grow. 

▶ Where do crookneck squash grow? (On a farm) 

▶ Do crookneck squash grow on vines above or below the 

ground? (Above the ground)

▶ Where are crookneck squash shipped after they are 

picked? (To stores and farmers’ markets)

< Have the children name some of the ways that crookneck 

squash can be eaten: with pasta, in soup, in muffins and bread, 

or cooked and mashed with just a little margarine.

< Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 1, Tool 

Shed Resources, page 43, for directions).

< Conclude the activity by telling the children they are going 

to eat crookneck squash the way that Cool Puppy Pup likes 

crookneck squash best of all. 

< Serve the cooked and mashed crookneck squash. 

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Make a Scarecrow: Cut a 

small crookneck squash in half 

lengthwise so that the flat, cut 

surface can be dipped in paint 

while holding onto the outer 

portion of the squash. Stamp 

the curvy shape of crookneck 

squash on the clothing of the 

scarecrow in waterproof paints 

(see Booklet 1, Garden Art and 

Crafts Section, page 38).
16 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

 

C2: Reading Activity

Read story books to the children that are about or include 

the activities of growing and/or eating fruits and vegetables. 

Listening to such stories can encourage children to adopt 

positive behaviors that can last a lifetime, like trying new fruits 

and vegetables.

Objective

Children will describe the fun and interesting stories about fruits 

and/or vegetables that were read to them.

Materials Needed

< Books from a library or 

purchased books

< Space for the children to sit

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Clear a space for the children 

to sit around you.

< Choose a book from the 

Harvest of Books list (see 

the Tool Shed Resources, 

Booklet 1, page 50).

< Select a book you would like 

to read and either borrow it 

from a library or purchase it.

< Use books relevant to fruits 

and vegetables that may 

already be available to you.
Crookneck Squash Row 17

Activity Length: 

10 to 20 minutes 

depending on the 

length of the book

The Activity

< Have the children sit around you as you read them the book. 

< Ask the children to listen for the names of fruits and 

vegetables as the story is read. 

Discussion Questions:

< After reading the story, ask the children which fruits and 

vegetables were named in the story and what happened to 

them. For example, 

▶ Where were the fruits and vegetables grown? 

▶ What happened to the fruits and vegetables after they 

were picked? 

▶ Who ate the fruits and vegetables?

 

Add other questions that relate to the story.
18 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

C3: Old MacDonald Had a Farm, 

Crookneck Squash Style

The children sing about growing and eating crookneck squash 

and act out motions to this familiar tune. 

Objectives

The children will be able to:

< Sing and act out motions to familiar tune; 

< Say that being physically active helps us feel good.

The Activity

< Lead the children in singing these new words to the tune 

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and demonstrate the 

suggested motions or make up new ones. 

< Encourage the children to move about as they are singing.

< Explain that skipping, wiggling, stretching, running, jumping, and 

playing actively every day helps us to feel good and 

stay healthy. 

Materials Needed

< Crookneck squash lyrics to 

tune “Old MacDonald Had 

a Farm”

< Large space for the children 

to move about

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Become familiar with the 

words and motions of 

the song.

Activity Length: 

10 minutes
Crookneck Squash Row 19

Old MacDonald Had a Farm, 

Crookneck Squash Style

The children sing about growing and eating crookneck squash and act out 

motions to this familiar tune. 

1st Verse

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

On this farm he grew crookneck squash, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry crookneck squash)

With vines growing here and vines growing there, (Wiggle arms to left and right 

Here vines, there vines, everywhere squash vines! repeatedly using large, vigorous motions)

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

2nd Verse

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

On this farm he grew crookneck squash, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry crookneck squash)

With sunshine here and sunshine there, (Hold hands in circle above head and 

Here sun, there sun, everywhere sun shines! jump to face 4 corners & sides of room)

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

3rd Verse

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

On this farm he grew some squash, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry crookneck squash)

With a harvest here, and a harvest there, (Pretend to wheel a heavy wheelbarrow)

Here a harvest, there a harvest, everywhere a (Pretend to wheel a heavy wheelbarrow)

squash harvest.

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

4th Verse

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

On this farm he grew some squash, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry crookneck squash)

With a bite, bite here, and a bite, bite there, (Pretend to eat crookneck squash)

Here a bite, there a bite, everywhere a crunchy bite. (Pretend to eat crookneck squash)

Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO! (Skip in place)
20 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Materials Needed

< Eat Smart To Play Hard 

With MyPlate poster (see 

Booklet 1) 

< Crookneck squash and 

zucchini squash, at least two 

of each type of squash

< Plates and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Review the foods and 

activities depicted on 

the poster. 

< Display the poster.

< Add a photo or illustration 

of zucchini to the Vegetables 

group of the poster.

< Cut a crookneck squash and 

a zucchini squash in half. 

< Prepare slices of crookneck 

squash and zucchini squash 

with the skin and seeds intact, 

at least one per child.

< Make copies of MyPlate 

coloring page (new or use 

copies from a previous D1 

activity), one per child.

< Copy Crookneck Squash 

Growing at Home #3–one 

set per child.

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #3: Send a copy of 

this resource home with each child at the start of 

Section D activities.

D1: Savor the Flavor of Squash

Introduce the children to the Eat Smart To Play Hard With 

MyPlate poster. The children find crookneck squash and 

other summer squash (zucchini) in the Vegetables group. They 

taste the difference between zucchini and crookneck squash. 

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Say that crookneck squash is found in the Vegetables group,

< Say that eating vegetables like crookneck squash help keep 

us healthy;

< Compare crookneck squash to zucchini squash;

< Say that being physically active every day helps us feel good 

and is fun;

< Say that eating foods from the different food groups each 

day helps us grow and be healthy; 

< Identify a food from each of the five food groups.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, for 

directions).

< If necessary, remind the children about polite food tasting 

habits (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 44, 

for details).

D. Introducing MyPlate

Nutrition Education Activities
Crookneck Squash Row 21

Activity Length: 

25 minutes; 30 minutes 

if optional coloring 

activity conducted

The Activity

Learning the Food Groups

< Seat the children in a semicircle on the floor in view of the 

Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate poster.

< Tell the children today they are going to learn about ways to 

be healthy and have fun every day. Tell the children that the 

best part is they like to do what helps them be healthy: they 

like to eat a variety of foods and they like to play.

< Point out the Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate poster to 

the children. Ask the children to tell you what they see on 

the poster. Accept all correct answers, such as food, specific 

foods by name, children playing, and specific activities by 

name, etc.

< Explain that MyPlate shows the five food groups a person 

should eat from each day. Each food group has its own color. 

The Fruit Group is red, the Vegetable Group is green, the 

Grains Group is orange, the Dairy Group is blue, and the 

Protein Foods Group is purple. Eating foods from each food 

group helps us to be healthy and grow

This activity continues on the following pages.
22 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

< Point to the orange band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (orange). Tell the children that 

foods made from grains are in the Grains group represented 

by the orange color band. Point to the bread and the cereal 

in the Grains group on the orange band of the poster and 

state that bread and cereal give us energy to play. Ask two 

children to come to the poster, point to a food in the orange 

section, and name the food. After each child names a food, 

repeat the name of the food, and state that __________ 

(the food named) and other foods from the Grains group 

also give us energy to play. 

< Children this age may not know what a grain is. Tell them 

grains come from plants such as wheat, oats, and corn. Grains 

are used to make foods like cereal, bread, and pasta.

< Point to the green band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (green). Tell the children that 

foods from plants called vegetables are in the Vegetables 

group represented by the green color band. Point out the 

crookneck squash in the Vegetables group on the green 

band of the poster. Ask the children to name this vegetable 

(crookneck squash). Ask the children to name a crookneck 

squash’s color (yellow). Explain that eating a yellow/orangecolored vegetable, like a crookneck squash, often is a way 

to be healthy. Ask two children to come to the poster, point 

to a vegetable in the green section, and name the vegetable. 

After each child names a vegetable, repeat the name of the 

vegetable and state that __________ (the vegetable named) 

and other foods from the Vegetables group also help keep 

us healthy.

< Point to the red band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (red). Tell the children that foods 

from plants called fruits are in the Fruits group represented 

by the red color band. Point to the peach and strawberry 

shown in the Fruits group on the red band of the poster and 

state that peaches and strawberries help keep us healthy. 

Ask two children to come to the poster, point to a fruit in 

the red section, and name the fruit. After each child names a 

fruit, repeat the name of the fruit, and state that __________ 

(the fruit named) and other foods from the Fruits group help 

keep us healthy.

Grains

Vegetables

Fruits
Crookneck Squash Row 23

< Point to the blue band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (blue). Tell the children that 

milk and foods made from milk are in the Dairy group 

represented by the blue color band. Point to the milk and 

yogurt in the Dairy group below the blue band and state 

that milk and yogurt help us build strong bones. Tell the 

children that it is good to choose low-fat and fat-free milk, 

yogurt, and cheese when given a choice. Ask two children 

to come to the poster, point out a food in the blue section, 

and name the food. After each child names a food, repeat 

the name of the food, and state that __________ (the food 

named) and other foods from the Dairy group also help us 

build strong bones.

< Point to the purple band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (purple). Tell the children that 

foods from animals and some plants are in the Protein Foods 

group represented by the purple color band. Point to the 

meat, fish, egg, beans and peanut butter in the Protein Foods 

group below the purple band and state that they help our 

muscles grow. Ask two children to come to the poster, point 

out a food in the purple section, and name the food. After 

each child names a food, repeat the name of the food, and 

state that __________ (the food named) and other foods 

from the Protein Foods group also help our muscles grow. 

(Note: if only foods that come from animals are selected, 

point out a food from plants and name it. If only foods from 

plants are selected, point out a food that comes from animals 

and name it.)

Dairy

Protein Foods
24 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Review Activity < While the children are still seated, point to each food group 

color band on the Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate

poster. 

< Ask the children to name the food group each color 

represents and to name a food from that group.

Tasting Activity < Show the children the crookneck squash and zucchini. Tell the 

children that zucchini is a squash similar to crookneck squash 

but different in color. 

< Give the children squash samples to taste. Note both are 

firm, crunchy, and taste mild. 

< After tasting the samples of squash, invite the children to feel 

and smell the different squash halves. Discard halves at end of 

lesson or reserve to use for Stamped Wrapping Paper. 

< Ask the children to name different ways to eat vegetables 

like squash at different meals and snacks. Accept all answers 

such as fresh slices or sticks, in vegetable salads, baked in 

muffins, etc.

Be Active–Crookneck Squash Skip

Note to Caregiver: Active play and movement are important for 

every child’s growth and development. Although they may seem 

to be active and energetic, most children do not get the amount 

of physical activity they need for good health. Child care programs 

should provide opportunities for young children (2 to 6 years of age) 

to engage in 90 to 120 minutes (1 1⁄2 to 2 hours) of moderate to 

vigorous physical activity each day. 

Several short periods of activity (10-20 minutes each) work well 

for young children and are easy to plan into the day. Examples of 

moderate to vigorous physical activity that kids this age enjoy include: 

playing on outdoor play equipment, dancing to music, taking a nature 

(or garden) walk, relay races, movement games, hopping, skipping, 

galloping, and riding a tricycle or bicycle. For additional information on 

physical activity for young children, refer to the Nutrition and Wellness 

Tips for Young Children: Provider Handbook for the Child and Adult 

Care Food Program at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/

nutritionandwellness.html. < Orange – Grains group < Green – Vegetables group < Red – Fruits group < Blue – Dairy group < Purple – Protein Foods group
Crookneck Squash Row 25 < Point to the various activities depicted on the Eat Smart To 

Play Hard With MyPlate poster. Ask the children to tell you 

why it is important to be physically active and play every 

day, i.e., it helps you be strong and healthy, and is fun. Tell the 

children that today they will learn to be physically active in a 

way that reminds them of the crookneck squash they 

just tasted.

< Take the children to a large open space or outdoors. Ask 

the children to stand in a large circle, standing so that one 

arm can be extended into the circle and one arm can be 

extended outside of the circle. Show the children how to 

extend the arm on the outside of the circle over the head 

and curve in toward the inside of the circle, similar to the 

curve of a crookneck squash. Tell the children they are going 

to skip around the large circle with their arms curved like 

crookneck squash while you call out the word “squash.” 

When the children hear you say the word “squish,” they will 

stop skipping and lower their arms. The children turn to face 

the opposite direction and curve the opposite arm over their 

heads like the curve of a crookneck squash. The children skip 

around the large circle as you call out the word “squash.” 

When they hear the word “squish,” the children stop, change 

directions, and curve the opposite arm over their heads to 

repeat skipping until the activity is concluded.

< Have the children curve their arms like crookneck squash, 

and say, “1, 2, 3, Squash, Squash, Squash. (repeat saying squash 

several more times)...Squash!”

< Continue to have the children skip in a large circle for several 

minutes. If desired, increase the activity difficulty for older 

children by occasionally asking the children to skip backwards 

in the large circle for one round of skipping.

< Conclude the activity by telling the children it is fun to eat squash 

and be physically active by doing a Crookneck Squash Skip.

Optional Concluding Activity: Have the children sit at tables with 

coloring supplies. Distribute a copy of MyPlate coloring page

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 83) to each child. Ask 

the children to color the Vegetables section green and draw and 

color a crookneck squash near the Vegetables section of MyPlate 

or use the Blackline Master of a crookneck squash (see Booklet 

1, Tool Shed Resources, page 74) and have the children color 

the crookneck squash. With older children have them copy the 

dot-to-dot outline of the word “Vegetables”. Ask the children to 

draw a favorite way they like to be physically active on the page. 

If desired, collect the sheet for use in future fruit and vegetable 

units in Grow It, Try It, Like It!
26 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

D2: Gosh, I Love Squash!

The children taste a new crookneck squash recipe and talk 

about different ways to eat crookneck squash.

Objectives

The children will be able to:

< Taste crookneck squash in a combination food, Crookneck 

Squash Pasta Salad; 

< Describe many different ways to eat crookneck squash.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43 for 

directions).

< If necessary, remind the children about polite food tasting 

habits (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 44, 

for details).

Materials Needed

< Pasta Salad Recipe 

ingredients–see the Child 

Care Center version of this 

recipe on page 28

< Plates, spoons, and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare the recipe.

< Prepare table(s).
Crookneck Squash Row 27

Activity Length: 

10-15 minutes

Words To Grow

Salad Crookneck Squash

Carrot Pasta

Mixture

The Activity

< Seat the children at the table(s). 

< Ask the children to share what they remember learning 

about crookneck squash. 

< Encourage responses such as how and where crookneck 

squash grows; how it looks, feels, smells, and tastes; and other 

material covered in the unit.

< Tell the children that the unit on crookneck squash ends 

with a celebration of a new way to eat crookneck squash. 

Crookneck squash can be part of a mixture of other foods. 

< Show the children the Crookneck Squash Pasta Salad and 

talk about the other foods in the salad.

< Serve the children Crookneck Squash Pasta Salad. 

< As the children are eating, ask: 

▶ What crookneck squash recipes have they made with 

their parents?

▶ What different ways have they eaten crookneck squash? 

▶ What new ways do they think crookneck squash could 

be eaten?

< Give suggestions such as soups, salads, or as a side dish (e.g., 

squash and apples), in breads and muffins, and also cut into 

sticks and served with low-fat dip.
28 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

For the Child and Adult Care Food Program

Crookneck Squash 

Pasta Salad

•	 1⁄2 tsp prepared mustard

•	 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

•	 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Help wash and scrub carrots and squash

• Help use a salad spinner to wash spinach 

• Dry spinach leaves washed in a colander between sheets of paper towel

• Wipe up spills

Adults should cook pasta and use a sharp knife to cut all vegetable pieces, make dressing, 

and toss salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, including cooking time

Yield: 10 1⁄2-cup child-size portions (may vary slightly depending on type of pasta used) 1⁄2 cup serving 

provides the equivalent of 1⁄4 ounce of cooked lean meat alternate and 1/8 cup of vegetable towards 

CACFP meal pattern

•	 1⁄2 cup pasta (macaroni, rotini, small shells), uncooked

•	 1 small crookneck or yellow squash (approximately 1 cup)

•	 1 medium carrot (approximately 1⁄2 cup)

•	 1 1⁄2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried, and stems removed

•	 4 oz low-fat or fat-free cheddar cheese, cubed (1 cup)

Dressing:

•	 5 Tbsp reduced-fat or fat-free mayonnaise

•	 11⁄2 Tbsp orange juice

•	 1⁄2 tsp dried sweet basil

1. Cook pasta with water according to directions on the package. 

2. Drain pasta. Chill in refrigerator if desired while preparing vegetables.

3. Wash the squash and carrots under cool tap water and scrub with a vegetable brush. Trim ends and remove any bad 

spots. Do NOT peel either the squash or the carrots.

4. Dice the squash and shred the carrots then place them in a medium-size bowl.

5. Wash the fresh spinach in cool tap water with a salad spinner or colander and thoroughly dry. Remove stems and any 

bad leaves. Stack several spinach leaves on top of each other and roll together. Slice crosswise through the roll, making 

very thin slivers of spinach. 

6. Add the pasta, spinach, and cheese to the squash-carrot mixture; toss to combine.

7. Make the dressing in a small bowl. Thoroughly blend the mayonnaise, orange juice, dried basil, prepared mustard, 

garlic, and black pepper. 

8. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss to evenly distribute the dressing.

9. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Variation: Substitute another summer squash, such as zucchini, sunburst, or patty pan squash for crookneck squash. 

Substitute your favorite Italian salad dressing for a change of taste.

Nutrients per 1 child-size serving of 1⁄2 cup (using elbow macaroni):

Calories 65, Protein 3.9 g, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Total Fat 2.3 g, Saturated Fat .7 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Vitamin A 1935 IU, Vitamin C 

4.1 mg, Iron 0.6 mg, Calcium 60 mg, Sodium 140 mg, Dietary Fiber 0.8 g
Crookneck Squash Row 29

Growing at Home Materials...

for Crookneck Squash Lessons
30 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

A uniquely shaped vegetable is the focus of the next unit in our series. Crookneck 

squash is the vegetable we are learning about each day in your child’s activities.

Today your child learned many things about crookneck squash. We had hands–on 

experiences with this vegetable to observe how it looks, feels, smells, and tastes. 

Your child has learned that crookneck squash:

• Are curved, not straight; 

• Are a light yellow color outside; 

• Are white and firm on the inside;

• Have flat, white seeds on the inside; and

• Have parts that can all be eaten–peel, insides, and seeds.

We tasted crookneck squash today and will taste more squash dishes in the days to 

come. Help your child continue learning about the many tastes of squash. Make a 

family recipe that includes crookneck squash with your child. Flavorful Squash 

Quick Bread, the attached recipe, is a great recipe choice.

Crookneck Squash Are Fun To Color! is an activity that your child can do at 

home with you. Try to do this activity in the next day or two; it will help your child 

remember what we have learned about crookneck squash. Having fun experiences 

with healthful foods like crookneck squash improves the chances your child will try 

vegetables in new ways at home–and at child care! 

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #1 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Tip:

Let your child choose a new fruit 

or vegetable from the produce 

department. Be adventurous and 

try new foods together.
Crookneck Squash Row 31

Squash Quick Bread

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes for muffins, 

 35-40 minutes for bread

Serves: 24 child-size servings of 1⁄2 of a 3⁄4”-thick slice of bread or 1⁄2 muffin 

Serves: 12 adult-size portions of one 3⁄4”-thick slice of bread or 1 muffin 

•	 11⁄2 cups shredded crookneck squash, 

 3 to 5 small squash, see Tip below

•	 1 cup all-purpose flour

•	 1 cup whole-wheat flour

•	 1 Tbsp baking powder

•	 1⁄2 tsp salt

•	 1⁄4 cup sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Wash the squash and trim ends. Do NOT peel. Shred squash. Press the shredded squash between paper 

towels to remove excess moisture, if necessary. 

3. Into large mixing bowl, mix flours, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until blended. 

Add shredded squash and toss with dry ingredients to coat shreds.

4. Into small mixing bowl, beat the egg with fork. 

5. Add canola oil and low-fat or fat-free milk to beaten egg and mix. 

6. Add egg/oil mixture to dry ingredients. Mix only until ingredients are combined. The batter should be 

slightly lumpy.

7. Spray a 9”x5”x3” loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. For muffins, spray a 12-cup muffin pan or line pan 

with paper baking cups. 

8. Pour mixture into loaf pan or muffin pan, filling each cup about 3⁄4 full. 

9. Bake for 35-40 minutes for loaf or 20-25 minutes for muffins, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out 

clean and bread is lightly brown.

10. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before slicing loaf into 12 3⁄4” slices and 

serve. Muffins can be served warm.

Variation: Substitute 2 cups 100% whole-wheat pastry flour for the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours. 

Use a mini-muffin pan and reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. Substitute zucchini for yellow summer squash. 

Tip: It is best to purchase small squash because they contain smaller seeds and have less water. If large squash are used, 

remove the seeds before grating. Purchase one pound of squash for each loaf or dozen muffins. Try this recipe with zucchini 

or summer squash for a change. 

Nutrients (using low-fat milk) per 1 child-size serving of 1⁄2 of a 3⁄4” thick slice of bread: Calories 74, 

Protein 2 g, Carbohydrate 10.7 g, Total Fat 2.8 g, Saturated Fat 0.3 g, Cholesterol 10 mg; Vitamin A 48 IU, Vitamin 

C 1.2 mg, Iron 0.6 mg, Calcium 52 mg, Sodium 118 mg, Dietary Fiber 0.9 g

•	 3⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon

•	 1⁄2 tsp ground nutmeg

•	 1 large egg, beaten

•	 1⁄4 cup canola oil

•	 1 cup low-fat or fat-free milk

•	 Nonstick cooking spray

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home 

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Help wash squash

• Help dry shredded squash between paper towels

• Help mix dry ingredients

• Help beat egg

Adults should cut and shred squash, combine wet and dry ingredients, transfer 

batter to pan(s), and do all steps involved with hot oven.
32 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Are Fun To Color!

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

Crookneck squash is a light yellow color. Young 

squash has smooth skin. As the squash grows, the 

skin becomes slightly bumpy. The inside of the 

squash is white and firm. Crookneck squash has flat, 

white seeds on the inside. Help your child color 

the drawings of crookneck squash below. After the 

activity, taste slices of raw crookneck squash with 

your child’s favorite dip or even peanut butter. Raw 

vegetables like squash are a great snack choice.
Crookneck Squash Row 33

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #2 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

We have learned more about crookneck squash! We are learning how to grow these 

curvy vegetables.

Today your child learned how crookneck squash is grown and harvested. He/she has 

learned that crookneck squash:

• Start from the flat white seeds found inside the squash; 

• Grow on vines above the ground;

• Need soil, water, sun, and time to grow;

• Have stems and leaf stalks that are prickly; and

• Are picked when they are tender and shiny.

Help your child continue learning about crookneck squash at home by making the 

colorful Squash Vegetable Soup recipe. Your child will enjoy helping make this 

recipe; the entire family will enjoy eating it. It is sure to become a favorite family recipe 

featuring crookneck squash. 

What Crookneck Squash Needs To Grow activity (attached) gives your child the 

opportunity to share with you what plants need to grow. Your child loves to tell you 

what he or she has learned. Talking about how plants like crookneck squash grow 

reinforces the activities we have completed. Take this opportunity to support the 

learning and tasting activities we promote daily. 

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director Tip: 

Help your child experience the same 

food in different ways. For example, 

serve crookneck squash raw for a 

snack, dice it fine to add to tossed 

salad, and add chunks to soup. What 

ideas do you have?
34 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Squash Vegetable Soup

Preparation Time: 25-35 minutes

Serves: 16 child-size 1⁄2-cup servings 

Serves: 8 adult-size 1-cup servings

•	 1 Tbsp canola oil

•	 1⁄2 cup chopped onion

•	 1 tsp minced garlic, fresh or from jar

•	 2 15-oz cans of low-sodium chicken or beef broth

•	 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning in juice

•	 2 cups cubed crookneck squash, 1⁄2 inch cubes or smaller 

•	 1 12-oz bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)

•	 1 15-oz can small white beans, drained

•	 Shredded low-fat or fat-free mozzarella cheese and croutons for garnish, if desired

1. In large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender.

2. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes.

3. Add broth, tomatoes with juice, cubed squash, and frozen vegetables; bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables 

are tender.

5. Add white beans and heat for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with shreds of mozzarella cheese and croutons, if desired.

Variation: Substitute another summer squash, such as yellow, zucchini, sunburst, or patty pan squash. 

Option: Substitute 2 tablespoons dried minced onion and 1/8 teaspoon dried minced garlic for fresh. 

Omit oil and start at step 3; add dried onion and garlic with other ingredients. 

Nutrients per 1 child-size serving of 1⁄2 cup: Calories 64, Protein 3.8 g, Carbohydrate 9.8 g, Total Fat 1.4 g, 

Saturated Fat 0.2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Vitamin A 1132 IU, Vitamin C 6.1 mg, Iron 1.2 mg, Calcium 38 mg, Sodium 

64 mg, Dietary Fiber 2.7 g

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home 

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Help wash squash

• Help ladle cubed squash and frozen vegetables into cool broth/tomato mixture in pan

• Wipe up spills

• Sprinkle cheese and croutons gently over soup bowls

 Adults should do all steps involving the stove.
Crookneck Squash Row 35

What Crookneck Squash Needs To Grow

Dear Parents and Guardians: Crookneck squash plants start from the flat white 

seeds found inside the squash. Squash grow on 

vines above the ground. They can grow in home 

gardens or on large farms. Squash grows fast, 

particularly in hot weather. Squash stems and leaf 

stalks are prickly so it is best to wear gloves when 

picking squash. Squash is picked in late summer or 

early fall. Ask your child to look at pictures below 

and draw a circle around the things a crookneck 

squash needs to grow. 

1. sun, 2. rain, 3. soil
36 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home #3 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The crookneck squash unit we have enjoyed in our daily activities is completed. 

We finished our lessons on this vegetable today. 

Ask your child about crookneck squash and how this vegetable is prepared and served. 

He/she has learned that crookneck squash can be:

• Cut into slices or sticks and served with low-fat dip;

• Added to soups, salads, or cooked as a side dish i.e., squash and apples;

• Baked in products such as quick breads and muffins.

You can help your child continue learning about different ways to use crookneck 

squash at home by making the attached recipe, Crookneck Squash Pasta 

Salad. Ask your child to help prepare this or a family recipe that includes 

crookneck squash. It’s a sure-fire way to encourage your child to eat a new food.

Talking about crookneck squash with your child provides many ways for him/her to 

show what they’ve learned. The activity Counting Crookneck Squash Seeds is a 

great activity to do with your child. After you count the seeds, count how many different fruits and vegetables your child likes to eat. Encourage your child to try new and 

different foods at child care–and at home!

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director

Tip: 

Ask your child to be on spill patrol 

when a recipe calls for steps only 

an adult can do. Armed with a 

paper towel or damp cloth, your 

child can help keep the counter 

neat and the conversation sweet 

while you cook.
Crookneck Squash Row 37

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Help wash and scrub carrots and squash

• Help use a salad spinner to wash spinach

• Dry spinach leaves washed in a colander between sheets of paper towel and

• Wipe up spills

Adults should cook pasta and use a sharp knife to cut all vegetable pieces, make dressing, 

and toss salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, including cooking time

Serves: 10 child-size 1⁄2 cup servings, 

Serves: 5 adult-size 1 cup servings

•	 1⁄2 cup pasta (macaroni, rotini, small shells), uncooked

•	 1 small crookneck or yellow squash (approximately 1 cup)

•	 1 medium carrot (approximately 1⁄2 cup)

•	 1 1⁄2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried, and stems removed

•	 4 oz low-fat or fat-free cheddar cheese, cubed (1 cup)

Dressing:

•	 5 Tbsp reduced-fat or fat-free mayonnaise

•	 1 1⁄2 Tbsp orange juice

•	 1⁄2 tsp dried sweet basil

1. Cook pasta with water according to directions on the package. 

2. Drain pasta. Chill in refrigerator if desired while preparing vegetables.

3. Wash the squash and carrots under cool tap water and scrub with a vegetable brush, trim ends and 

remove any bad spots. Do NOT peel either the squash or the carrots.

4. Dice the squash and shred the carrots then place them in a medium-size bowl.

5. Wash the fresh spinach in cool tap water with a salad spinner or colander and thoroughly dry. Remove 

stems and any bad leaves. Stack several spinach leaves on top of each other and roll together. Slice crosswise 

through the roll, making very thin slivers of spinach. 

6. Add the pasta, spinach, and cheese to the squash-carrot mixture; toss to combine.

7. Make the dressing in a small bowl. Thoroughly blend mayonnaise, orange juice, dried basil, prepared mustard, 

garlic, and black pepper.

8. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss to evenly distribute the dressing.

9. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Variation: Substitute another summer squash, such as zucchini, sunburst, or patty pan squash for crookneck squash. 

Substitute your favorite Italian salad dressing for a change of taste.

Nutrients per 1 child-size serving of 1⁄2 cup (using elbow macaroni):

Calories 65, Protein 3.9 g, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Total Fat 2.3 g, Saturated Fat .7 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Vitamin A 1935 IU, 

Vitamin C 4.1 mg, Iron 0.6 mg, Calcium 60 mg, Sodium 140 mg, Dietary Fiber 0.8 g

Crookneck Squash 

Pasta Salad

•	 1⁄2 tsp prepared mustard

•	 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

•	 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Crookneck Squash Growing at Home 
38 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Counting Crookneck Squash Seeds

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

When children are familiar with new foods, they 

are more willing to taste new foods. In child care, 

your child has learned what the inside of crookneck 

squash looks like. Crookneck squash have many 

white, flat seeds. Help your child count the number 

of seeds in each squash half and trace the numbers 

under each picture. Guide their hand as they trace 

the numbers, if necessary. Have your child count 

different ways to enjoy eating crookneck squash. 

Write those ideas on the lines below the traced 

numbers. Make a plan to enjoy a crookneck squash 

recipe this week!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis 

of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, 

religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income 

is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities 

who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should 

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., 

Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal

opportunity provider and employer.

Revised June 2013

September 2009

FNS-406

United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service 

Find more fun resources at these Web sites:

teamnutrition.usda.gov

choosemyplate.gov