Cooking with Kids

Cooking with kids can be fun, exciting, adventures and messy, very messy! But it helps them to build certain skills such as math concepts, following orders and oral speech. Therefore there is no doubt that it is an important part of anypreschooler's educational experience.

Benefits Of Cooking With Kids

• Math skills - Let them count of the ingredients such as eggs. Talk about what is first, second, third, etc.



• Measurements - Pouring of water, milk and oil with measuring cups.



• Listening Skills - Following instructions or steps.



• Experience new food - Using their senses. What does it smell like, feel like, taste like.



• Increased ConfidenceIf you are successful in choosing kid recipes that are right for your child's age, then it can definitely increase his confidence. You can delegate, as many tasks as possible, making them understand that you are the helper and they are the cooks.



• Language skills - If they can read little words, they can assist in reading the cookbook or even choose a recipe



• Social skills - Another great idea is a preschool tea party. You can invite all the friends and they can all cook together. Making dough. Mommy to bake and then have a nice tea party. Preschoolers just love this.

Where to Start Teaching Kids to Cook?

• Choose a kid's healthy snack that is short and very easy, preferably something where you do not need to use the oven. The most basic recipe for younger toddlers. Once they've mastered the recipe you can introduce another type. Salads and sandwiches are great starters. The only involvement you have is cutting up all the ingredients. They can mix the salad and spread the goodies and then cut out the sandwiches with cookie cutters.



• Small projects. Cooking with kids should not take to much time. They can get bored easily.



• Let them get all the ingredients and cooking utensils as you read it to them.



• Set an example and ensure everyone wash hands and clean the workplace before the cooking starts.



• It is also a great idea to use cooking as part of your curriculum or lesson plan. Our ABC adventure book has easy recipes for every letter that your child will enjoy.



• Never, never leave your preschooler alone with the cooking utensils. Not even for a split second. If you have to leave the room, take them with you.

What Basic Cooking Things can your Child do at that age?

• Cleaning the tables
• Washing vegetables
• Tearing lettuce and mix salad greens
• Mix any other ingredients with a spoon or spatula

• Pouring liquids (cold only)
• Mix ingredients
• Spread goodies on bread

• Mashing fruits
• Using the mixer
• And all the above

Cooking with kids should not be tiresome, it should be fun. You can even try to organista nice tea party. It must not just be for the girls, boys can also take part in helping with the preparation of this party. Another idea is to combine your lesson plan or other preschool activities with a nice easy cooking exercise, I'm sure you will also enjoy it and not focus on the mess being made. Mess is part of the learning process, embrace it.