What's Cooking?

All children have a natural curiosity with food and cooking. Think about it. Food is something that starts out one way and after cooking, looks totally different. That is very scientific and very appealing to a child.

There was a time, prior to state accountability and assessment testing, when kindergarten children had cooking as a part of the weekly curriculum. That is no longer the case. Cooking has been relegated to the Pre-Kindergarten curriculum (if you're lucky) or has been removed from the curriculum completely. Therefore, you must have it as a part of your curriculum at home.

Even if you are a working Mom (and all Moms are working Moms!), you can engage in simple cooking activities with your child. I'm not talking about anything dangerous involving sharp knives (although this must be taught too as your child matures); I am talking about simple activities such as helping you measure, helping you stir, and helping you serve. Yes, this does take extra time and there will be somewhat of a mess. But you can begin with something simple like "Ants on a Log", celery stuffed with peanut butter with raisins on top; or Rice Krispies Treats---food items that require no cooking.

Later, you can advance to a simple cookie recipe that requires baking and you can discuss oven temperature, creaming the butter (creaming? What is that?), and using the mixer. You will build your child's vocabulary with each new activity. You will be teaching measurement and precision. You will be teaching your child hand/eye coordination as you teach stirring and spreading techniques. Even a child as young as two or three can learn to stir and follow directions.

It doesn't have to be complicated. You will be a rock star to your child if you have him or her help you with cooking. Little children are naturally interested in this activity. If you begin when your child is young (as with everything I have discussed in this blog), your child's interest in cooking will only grow and mature as he or she grows and matures. Just think, you may have your own personal chef in the house by the time your child is twelve.