Cooking with preschoolers – the theory
“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.
