Playtime in the Kitchen

Having the kids in the kitchen doesn’t have to create a recipe for disaster!  Involving kids in meal preparations can increase quality time spent, an opportunity to learn about cooking, and increase the likelihood that kids will want to try new foods.

Little chefs like to taste while
cooking -- just like big chefs!

 Children learn best when they are busy and interested in what they are doing.  Cooking offers such a variety of actions:  spreading, mixing, stirring, kneading, and more! Kids don’t realize that there’s something else going on as well – learning. Cooking also involves talking, reading, following directions, and measuring.  Children learn about how food changes during cooking:  melting, dissolving, floating and sinking.

Make kids a part of cooking, and they’ll appreciate what they are eating.  Don’t forget to give them clean up assignments, too!

Everyone cooks, everyone eats,
and everyone helps clean up!

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Cooks of all ages always wash their hands before working in the kitchen.

• Sampling should be done when the dish is done, to prevent illness.

•  Expect spills and messes.

• Give children  quick, simple jobs, and give instructions one at a time. 

• Children get excited and forget. Repeat directions as often as needed.

•  Young cooks need constant supervision.

•  Everyone cooks, and everyone cleans up!

Tips on Being Safe in the Kitchen, from KidsHealth.org:  http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/safe_in_kitchen.html

The Association of Junior Leagues International has games, activities, and recipes geared toward Kids in the Kitchen: http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/