“You do what?” is the general response when people find out what I do as a job. I am very proud to say that “I teach preschoolers to cook!” Most people think I’m mad, but many will nod and agree how important a skill it is. Others will tell me that a 3-year-old cannot possibly make pastry. Step aside, let them prove you wrong.
What does cooking with preschoolers look like?
It looks messy. There really is no getting away from that. Preschoolers and tidy don’t generally go hand-in-hand. But that shouldn’t be a reason to not cook with them. There are things you can do to minimise the mess.
Setting up
Whilst some cooking may be spontaneous, if you are planning ahead, then these would be my top tips:-
Choose a recipe that is quick. Children may only be able to focus for 15 to 20 minutes.
Measure out all your ingredients. Whether I am setting up for a cooking class or for my daughter to cook, I pre-weigh most of the ingredients and keep them fresh in lidded pots. I use these from Amazon* Consider halving the ingredients and having a bake off.
Get all your equipment ready. Put a tablecloth on your table, layout a bowl, spoon, other cutlery or utensils. Everything you are going to need. That way you are not having to stop to find something you are missing.
Preheat the oven.
Have fun
Note to parents
Children love to help in the kitchen, but they need close supervision. Don’t try making dinner at the same time as cooking with your preschooler.
Northampton’s cookery clubs new term starts 10th January 2022 – Join Now!
It’s been a fabulous Christmas and just before I look back on the past year, I am just having a quick look forwards.
Classes are now available to book online. There is a full timetable of classes, with preschool classes taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am and 1.30 pm, starting on 10th January. After school classes are on Mondays at 4.30 pm, also starting on 10th January and Saturday kitchen is starting on 22nd January.
For those booking their first sessions, you will receive a FREE personalised apron.
Have a very happy New Year and I will see you all in 2022.
How’s your crisis schooling going? For those of us who had children of school age during lockdown 1, this new lockdown seems a little like déjà vu, although the weather is considerably colder than it was back then and the temptation to stay in is so great.
For those of you whose children only started Reception in September this may feel overwhelming. You are probably being bombarded with logins for countless pieces of educational software, hours of schoolwork is being supplied from school and you just don’t know where to start.
I would imagine that your little ones are feeling the struggle too. Just remember, regardless of the age of your child, at the end of this period of staying at home they WILL NOT be behind. If schoolwork is tricky, then just play! All of your playing activities will have a benefit. Counting the trees on a walk, spotting the different trees in the park, PE with Joe, Dr Chris and Dr Xand (my personal favourites).
And now to my personal favourite, baking! Cooking with your children is not just cooking. It is communication. It is counting and measuring. It is following instructions. It is sharing equipment. It is teamwork. It is messy, but it’s also a way of making great memories.
Food is there to be played with, unless you’re sitting at the table for a meal!
So next week on my Facebook group I will be sharing some caterpillar themed fun. To start us off, I have put together a little pdf for you containing a few activities. I hope you enjoy it.
“You do what?” is the general response when people find out what I do as a job. I am very proud to say that “I teach preschoolers to cook!” Most people think I’m mad, but many will nod and agree how important a skill it is. Others will tell me that a 3-year-old cannot possibly make pastry. Step aside, let them prove you wrong.
What does cooking with preschoolers look like?
Now, you may wish to take ‘teach’ with a pinch of salt. What I actually do is run fun cooking sessions with children. I encourage them to explore the world around them using food. We make and then bake something delicious.
What do the children learn?
Children learn from doing. In the first instance, the children have to listen and follow instructions. Two very important skills that don’t always come easy to them. They have to take turns and wait patiently while other children are using the scales. They get to practise their counting when measuring out flour or checking to see who has the most smarties. We test their fine motor skills and hand eye co-ordination when they are trying to spoon batter into cake cases. They even learn a little science. The actual preparation only lasts between 20 and 35 minutes. The food cooks in 12 – 15 minutes.
Exploring foods
Children explore new foods by looking at them, touching, smelling and hopefully tasting them. For some children this is an automatic thing, but for others, especially those with sensory issues, this can be terrifying. By introducing children to new foods in a small group, they can watch how other children react and learn from them. They may be tempted to try because the other children have had a go. Some children will really surprise you with the complex tastes that they will try. Samphire springs to mind!
Finally, the greatest reason of all. Children are far more emotionally invested in food that they help to create. Cupcakes today, but it won’t be long before they can cook toad in the hole for the family.
Note to parents
Children love to help in the kitchen, but they need close supervision. Don’t try making dinner at the same time as cooking with your preschooler.
