Many of Indiana's early childhood standards for math, science and language arts can be reached through children's experiences with food and cooking. For example, counting out 4 cups of flour teaches children not only about measurement and counting, but also one-to-one correspondence (the concept that we count one number for one scoop of flour.) If you've ever tried to play a board game like Candy Land with your young child, you have seen a lack of one-to-one correspondence when they move 12 spaces while counting to 5! Indiana's science standards ask us to allow children to investigate and talk about the characteristics of matter. What's the difference between oil and water? They are both liquids, but they act very differently. What happens when we mix them in a recipe? Flour and salt are both white, but they feel differently when touched. Science standards also ask us to give small groups of children opportunities to engage in scientific experimentation. Mixing ingredients for a recipe, adding heat (which causes a chemical reaction) and then observing (tasting!) those changes certainly meets this criteria.
When following a recipe, children also have the opportunity to meet language arts standards, and working with a small group helps them gain important social/emotional skills as they take turns with friends.
How can you extend this learning at home? We know it's unlikely that you'll be able to fit in cooking experiences with your child at home after a long day at work, but perhaps on a weekend you'll find some ways that your child can help out in the kitchen with a simple recipe you can make together!
Need some additional resources? Look here for additional things children learn while cooking, and here for some fantastic recipes and other information!
No comments:
Post a Comment