Father’s Day BBQ Sauce is a fun, flavoursome and heartfelt classroom activity that blends writing, creativity and a hands-on cooking experience. This unique resource allows students to create a personalised gift for their dad or special caregiver, one that’s both practical and full of love. Combining literacy, art, and food tech elements, it’s a recipe for a memorable Father’s Day celebration in the classroom.

Students will enjoy the process of crafting thoughtful cards, designing themed labels, and even helping to prepare a simple but delicious homemade BBQ sauce. The resource includes all the templates needed - print-and-fold cards, lid labels, gift tags and recipe cards - along with a tried-and-tested BBQ sauce recipe that students can mix and bottle for a takeaway gift that’s sure to be appreciated. This activity is perfect for promoting procedural writing, creativity, and meaningful expression while building classroom excitement for Father’s Day.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Follow a step-by-step procedure to create a final product
• ✅ Strengthen written expression through card and message writing
• ✅ Develop fine motor and presentation skills through cutting, assembling and decorating
• ✅ Engage in real-world text types, including recipes and gift tags
• ✅ Reflect on and celebrate personal connections through thoughtful writing

What’s Included:

• Printable BBQ sauce recipe card with clear, easy-to-follow instructions
• Father’s Day card cover templates in two formats: cut-and-paste or print-and-fold
• Message writing templates with multiple line width options
• Printable lid labels and foldable gift tags for jars
• Optional decorations and suggestions for enhancing student creativity

Materials Needed:

• Printed card templates, recipe card, lid labels and gift tags
• A4 coloured card for card assembly (optional)
• Basic art supplies: pencils, markers, glue, scissors
• Red, yellow and orange paint (for handprint flames)
• Jars with lids, ribbon or string, and hole punch
• BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, spices

How to Use:

• Print and prepare all desired templates, including the card cover, message page, labels and tags
• Have students colour and personalise their card, using handprints to create a flame effect if desired
• Guide students to write a message to their dad or special person on the lined message template
• Assemble the card by attaching the cover and message to a folded A4 card or use the print-and-fold version
• Follow the recipe as a class or small group to mix and bottle the BBQ sauce
• Seal jars, apply lid labels and attach gift tags using ribbon or string

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Link to procedural writing units by analysing the recipe structure and identifying language features
• 💡 Display finished cards and packaged jars at a Father’s Day event or classroom celebration
• 💡 Use in conjunction with other resources in our Father's Day collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Send the recipe card home for families to recreate the sauce together over the weekend
• 💛 Pre-make the sauce in advance for younger students to focus on assembling and decorating
• 💛 Back cards and tags onto coloured paper or card for a polished finish

Father’s Day BBQ Sauce is a hands-on, heartwarming project that develops a range of learning areas while allowing students to express love and gratitude in a creative way. It’s a delicious way to say “thank you” and the perfect blend of learning and celebration!