Cooking with Kids

The inspiration for this activity is derived from my favorite memories of Sunday afternoons in the kitchen with my parents cooking tasty treats. From vegetables to cakes, we made them all.

Cooking with children can be a thrilling learning experience resulting in a tasty product. Through cooking, children learn to follow step by step directions, categorize types of food, learn safe cooking practices, and develop early math skills. Additionally, the conversations with your children throughout the experience can increase language skills and vocabulary.  

TAKE A LOOK: Monkey Mayhem- A Monkey Made of Fruit

Ingredients:

1 pineapple circle slice (face)

1 strawberry (nose)

2 orange wedges (ears)

2 blueberries (eyes)

1 apple wedge (mouth)

*Due to the wide variety of fruit required, this activity may be best for a group.

*Fresh, frozen, or canned fruit can be used.

Directions:

Explain that you are going to create a monkey by using fruit. Look at the ingredients… What color is the fruit? What shape is the fruit?

Begin with the pineapple slice as the base for the head. What goes on the monkey’s face?

As your child explains what is on the monkey’s face, let them select the fruit to represent it. I have made suggestions in the ingredients section. Ask your child, what do the _(ears, nose, eyes, mouth)_ do? Where are your _(ears, nose, eyes, mouth)_?

Upon building your monkey masterpiece, enjoy the healthy snack! You can find a monkey book in your personal library or local library to extend the monkey experience.

TAKE A LOOK: Pinterest Recipes- Search for the Perfect Cookie

For those who already love or will soon discover the creative social sharing on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com), it is a great avenue to get your kids involved in the search for recipes and arts and crafts, as well as teach your child about the internet. You can explain the purpose of a password and internet safety. By exploring the Website together, you are able to model appropriate behavior on the internet.

For this activity, search for a perfect cookie on Pinterest. Ask your child what their favorite cookie is. Talk about the different letter sounds in the word. Discuss types of descriptive adjectives for the cookie like delicious, tasty, and sweet. While cooking, talk about measurements and which is big and small. Let your child mix the dough and even use their hands; this will strengthen their fine motor muscles. Most importantly, have a sweet-tastic time!