Synopsis: Meet Idaho teacher Kayleigh Sloan, who turns ordinary writing lessons into unforgettable experiences—like literally following her first graders’ instructions and smearing peanut butter on her arms—to teach the importance of clear, detailed writing.
A Lesson That’s “Spread” with Laughter
Bold, creative, and absolutely unforgettable—these are words many parents and educators now associate with first-grade teacher Kayleigh Sloan from Idaho. Her iconic “Peanut Butter & Jelly” writing lesson, captured in a viral TikTok video, has taken the internet by storm with more than 54 million views.
When her students wrote instructions for making a PB&J sandwich—like “get bread, jelly, and peanut butter”—Sloan followed them literally:
- She grabbed the packaged bread with spreads still inside.
- Spread jelly onto the bread without opening the wrapper.
- And when told to “put on the peanut butter,” she smeared it across her forearms.
That messy—and hilarious—gestural misstep delivered a powerful teaching moment: when instructions lack detail, chaos follows.
Beyond the Giggles: Why It Matters
| Insight | Benefit |
| Memorable Learning | The playful absurdity captivated her students—and cemented the lesson. They were “mind‑blown,” as Sloan puts it. |
| Clearer Writing | By physically demonstrating the impact of vague instructions, students understood the need for precise details. |
| Emotional Engagement | Sloan models joy and presence in teaching—creating a psychologically safe environment rich in creativity. Her classroom reflects her inclusive, fun-loving approach |
| Teacher Wellness | Acts like these recharge educators—bringing laughter, spontaneity, and deeper teacher-student connection back into daily routines. |
A Word from Kayleigh Sloan
Sloan has been using this memorable lesson annually. She explains, “This is a lesson that has been in the teaching world since the 1920s. I just found creative ways to put a fun spin on it, such as spreading peanut butter and jelly on myself to get the point across in an engaging way.”
Sharing her teaching journey via TikTok since April 2024, she says:
“I am very fun and creative, while being firm with my expectations… I wanted to create a space that felt safe, comfortable, and homey for both the students and me.”
And the results? “The kids go absolutely ‘nuts’ every year—no pun intended… It brings my teacher heart so much joy.”
DIY: Make Your Lessons Stick (Creatively)
- Try the “Literal Render” Technique: Ask your students for step-by-step instructions on a simple task. Follow them exactly—without assumptions—to illustrate the impact of clarity.
- Reflect with Them: Ask, “What was missing?” “Why did it fail?” Use those questions to guide them into more descriptive, detailed rewrites.
- Infuse Your Personal Spark: Whether it’s singing mid-lesson, juggling supplies, or dramatizing instructions—let your personality shine. Joyful learning is contagious.
Final Scoop
Kayleigh Sloan’s now-famous PB&J lesson offers more than comedic genius—it’s a masterclass in deep learning through joy, embodiment, and creativity. In her classroom, and by extension ours, emotions enhance memory, and playful pedagogy fosters lasting growth.
Last modified: August 15, 2025
