Learning in all areas of the curriculum
Life is real, so we as Educators need to provide real-life experiences. Cooking is a needed life skill. It is an authentic experience where children can gain a range of skills, specifically in Maths. It can help children understand traditions and really aids language and communication. When children can complete activities independently their confidence soars. Following a recipe also helps children to learn to read for a purpose and follow instructions. They can talk about their likes and dislikes and about healthy eating.
Use senses
Children learn with their senses and cooking is an ideal way to use senses and master communication and language. Ask them to listen to the sound of the electric whisk, pound dough and watch it rise, smell it baking in the oven, and finally taste the warm bread fresh from the oven.
Independent and purposeful learning
By providing easy to follow recipes children can be independent. We have created some recipes that children can use to cook independently by showing each step in an image, our recipe book can be purchased here. With our recipes, children can learn while creating something for a purpose for example food for a Christmas party. Learning with a purpose in mind is so beneficial and research shows that engagement is much higher children are learning with a real purpose.
Focus on process, not product
Children love to show what they can do and cooking provides opportunities to gain a sense of accomplishment. Even if the end results are not exactly what you expected, praise their efforts.
Let children learn by taking calculated risks
Let children use the cheese grater, help take things out of the oven etc. this is how children learn to keep themselves safe. The benefits of doing so far outweigh the risks.
For safety reasons, you should be in the kitchen with them at all times, supervising at as much distance as possible.
Early Years Staffroom have created a recipe book : Early Years Recipes For Children
A simple step by step recipe book with instructions and photos for children to cook independently. For Nurseries, Childminders, Pre-Schools, Parents and Early Years Teachers. Available to buy on Amazon AMAZON link
