Starting Off

Starting Off | Stirrin' Stuff

Cooking is a great learning curve for children as not only are the learning how to make food but there are a number of other elements to cooking these are;

  • Maths measuring and weighing items
  • Reading following instructions
  • Social skills having to interact with each other whilst cooking
  • Science the simple element of what mixes together and what doesn't i.e. don't put oil and water together.
  • Creativity as they get more confident and older they will start to experiment with adding different bits to their dishes i.e. herbs and spices as well as thinking about the presentation of the dishes.

    So where do you start?

    When getting them cooking for the first time it is best to start with simple recipes, they will be easier for them to understand and easier for you to explain to them and keep an eye on them you should also look at using ingredients that you know your children like, through past experience it's been found that a lot of children are more likely to eat their dinner if they have been involved in making it, plus it gets rid of the what's this?' question!

    Make sure that your kitchen is children friendly, little kids won't be able to reach the worktop getting some stools in there for them to sit or stand are is the best idea, it allows them to be able to see what's going on. Also give them a lot of room children have a tenancy to spread things out much more than adults, and a handy tip is to get everything out before you start, it's quicker and easier and also means you don't have to go off getting other bits and pieces, instead you are able to keep an eye on them at all times.

    Another piece of advice if to give them their own scrap book which can be their own cook book, get them to write of the recipe in their in a way they understand, it doesn't need to be understandable or conventional to anyone else as long as they understand.