My son's preschool has asked me to do a little hand's on cake decorating demo with the kids at the school so that each one will decorate their own cupcake. We're talking about kids ranging from 2-5. I'm thinking I would have them all frosted and maybe pre-cut fondant pieces for them to attach. Anybody have any fun and easy ideas for this kind of project? Was thinking of trying to do something with spring theme. Maybe cupcakes frosted yellow and then the fondant pieces to make them look like chicks?

Would love to hear any suggestions or ideas. I'm freaking out a little about helping 40 kids decorate cupcakes!!

That age doesn't care how things look. They are just thrilled to "play with their food". Pastel colored marshmallows, animal crackers, chocolate chips, sprinkles and other things that won't be likely to get stuck in their tiny throats.

So funny.. I am doing the exact thing. Here is what I did. I went out and bought small plastic containers and filled them with,sprinkles,marshmallows,coconut,mini chocolate chips,gumdrops, and candy corn. I found out how many tables were in the class so each table has one of each container. I just had cupcakes with white icing and the kids could decorate how they wanted. I was considering doing something with fondant but these kids are really young so I went with candy, and the kids loved having so many choices. HTH

You could do animal faces...fondant pieces like an elephant trunk & ears, or licorice whiskers for a tiger or lion?
Mini M&M's are always a winner, too! They could make faces...

thanks for all the input. I think the director is actually hoping I'm goign to teach them something! I think I'm going to do frogs and lady bugs. Mini choc. chips and licorice for the lady bugs and marshmallows and choc. chips for the frogs. I will have one of each made so they can see how to do it and then go nuts. they're only going to eat them anyway!

thanks again. i'd be happy to hear any more ideas!