Cooking

Something that is so easy is so delightful to preschoolers.  During January we had a whole week of cooking to celebrate Australia Day (throughout the week).  We made lamingtons, pancakes, ice blocks, damper, cupcakes, and Anzac biscuits.  I find it works much better if everything is already organised (except for a few things that need measuring to bring in our numeracy skills) and to have a large scale recipe for the children to follow.  The children know when we walk to the kitchen that it is a special experience for them.  they also know they will get to taste their work when its cooked.  I involve the children as much as possible to assist myself and to provide them with a hands on learning experience.  some children have the opportunity to engage this way at home but others may not.  we learn about mixing, using various utensils, cooking, freezing, temperature, kitchen facilities and how ingredients can make new foods.  There are times where the children have free rein of the activity and take turns to decorate - we are big on sharing and letting everyone who wants a turn to have one.  We have children who are allergic to egg and nuts and need some ideas/recipes to enable these children to engage in cooking but be tasty for all children.