How to Make Ants on a Log
Ants on a Log is a classic snack that has been a favorite for generations of students and campers. It is more than just a tasty treat; it is a creative way to eat healthy vegetables and protein. This snack gets its name from its clever appearance. The green celery represents a fallen log, the creamy filling looks like sticky mud, and the dark raisins represent a line of busy ants marching through the forest.
To begin, gather your supplies. You will need a few stalks of fresh celery, a jar of peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative like sunflower butter or cream cheese), and a handful of raisins. You will also need a dull butter knife or a small spatula to help you assemble your snack.
First, wash your celery stalks thoroughly under cool, running water. Use your fingers to scrub away any dirt hiding in the ridges. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a clean paper towel. It is very important that the celery is completely dry because if the surface is wet, the filling will slide right off the 'log.' After the celery is dry, ask an adult to help you trim the ends and cut each stalk into pieces about four inches long.
- Stalk:
- The main stem of a plant, such as a single piece of celery.
- Hollow:
- Having an empty space or a groove on the inside.
- Assemble:
- To put different parts together to create a finished product.
- Variation:
- A change or a different version of something from the original.
- Thoroughly:
- Doing something completely and carefully, leaving nothing out.
- alternative:
- A choice or option that can be used instead of something else.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1According to the passage, what does the celery represent in the snack 'Ants on a Log'?
- 2Why is it essential to pat the celery stalks dry with a paper towel after washing them?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this how-to / procedural passage for Upper Elementary
“How to Make Ants on a Log” is a how-to / procedural reading passage about Healthy Cooking, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (385 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.