Celebrate a favorite lunchtime classic with surprising history, lively debate, and plenty of food for thought.
National Sandwich Day celebrates one of the most versatile meals around. But sandwiches have a surprising story tucked between those slices of bread! Today weโll discover where the word sandwich came from... and tackle one very important question: What actually counts as a sandwich?
The earliest known written use of the English word sandwich dates to 1762!
by by Debbie Herman, illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Carla’s classmates think her unusual sandwich combinations are downright strange, but Carla isn’t afraid to enjoy something different. This funny picture book is a perfect lead-in to today’s debate because it gets readers thinking about what belongs inside a sandwich… and whether there really are any rules at all.
As you read, notice how the other characters’ opinions begin to change.
Think carefully about the rules in your definition. Does a sandwich need bread? Must it have two separate slices, or can a split roll count? Does it need a filling? Can it be open-faced? Once you’ve made your rules, see whether a hot dog follows them. Just be preparedโthe other side may have a pretty good argument too!
Bonus Debate: Test your definition against a hamburger, taco, wrap, or ice cream sandwich. Does your definition still work?
Try a regional sandwich your family has never had before, such as:
Before you take the first bite, look up where your sandwich originated and what makes it special. Then give it a family rating: Would you make/order it again?
Every adventure has another path to follow. Choose a trail and see where your curiosity leads!
The word sandwich was named for John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an English statesman who lived during the 1700s. Watch Horrible Historiesโ entertaining take on the Earl of Sandwich, then see what else you can discover about the man behind the name.
Wonder Challenge:
Look up the title โEarl of Sandwich.โ What was an earl, and where is Sandwich, England?
People were combining bread and fillings long before the word sandwich appeared. Ancient examples include Hillel the Elder eating bitter herbs and Passover lamb with matzah, while cultures around the world later developed their own filled and folded breads, from Middle Eastern pita to Mexican tortas.
Wonder Challenge:
Choose one sandwich or filled-bread tradition from another country. What kind of bread does it use, and what usually goes inside?
Sandwich is an eponymโa word that comes from the name of a person or place. Everyday English contains other surprising eponyms too, including boycott and even teddy bear!
Wonder Challenge:
Look up the words boycott and teddy bear. Who were they named after, and how did their names become everyday words?
Would you rather...
Print & Plan
Keep todayโs book pick, writing prompt, family activity, and discussion ideas together in one colorful overview.
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