Cooking is a fundamental life skill which can be enjoyed and shared with children. Preparing food with children is a great way to encourage them to learn to cook and to eat a variety of foods. There are so many lessons that can be taught while preparing food. Cooking lends opportunities to practice math concepts such as counting, measurement and fractions. Use cooking activities as a time to discuss how certain foods help our bodies be healthy. Learning to cook also helps children develop important life skills which will assist them in becoming independent later in life.
Anytime adults spend positive time with children, it produces learning opportunities and memories. Additionally, family food preparation is an opportunity to celebrate your cultural heritage by passing down family traditions and recipes.
Children involved in planning and preparing meals may:
- Be more willing to try new or different foods
- Use their senses to enjoy food and culture
- Be exposed to a variety of foods
- Spend quality time with their parents, guardians or loved ones
- Learn about family traditions
- Create feelings of belonging and contributing to the family
Food Safety in Food Preparation
Cleanliness is important when preparing food. Germs love food so here are a few items to do before beginning to prepare food.
- Clip hair back so that it will not fall into the food
- Put on a clean apron
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
Let’s Talk about Measuring Basics
Talk to young children about why measuring is important to successful baking and food preparation. Standard measuring cups and measuring spoons make the task easy and accurate. Provide children ample opportunity to practice measuring with flour, liquids and solid fats such as butter, peanut butter or shortening.
- Dry measuring spoons are used to measure dry ingredients and solid fats, think butter or shortening. These cups have a flat level rim and are marked 1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup and ¼ cup.
- Liquid measuring cups are used to measure liquids such as milk, water, or oil. These cups typically have a spout and measurement markings. To get a more accurate measurement, bend down and read the measurement at eye level.
- Measuring spoons sets include: 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon. The measuring spoons measure accurately as compared to the tablespoon and teaspoon that you eat with.
Live Smart Colorado feature articles, developed by Colorado State University Extension specialists, provide research-based, practical information to support lifelong nutrition, physical, financial, and emotional health and well-being for Coloradans.