How to Teach Children the Art of Cooking
- 1). Instruct children in the importance of proper nutrition and the fundamentals of the basic food groups. An elementary exercise that shows a child how to portion nutritionally involves visually measuring when plating food. One-third of his plate should contain a lean protein, 1/3 should have a grain carbohydrate source and the remaining 1/3 should consist of a fibrous vegetable or fruit.
- 2). Store items specific to the child's role in the kitchen separately in a dedicated box or container. This provides a feeling of confidence and ownership for the child. The items should include fundamental kitchen tools and utensils, such as a vegetable peeler, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, plastic bowls and a rubber spatula.
- 3). Assess a recipe for considerations before beginning and modify it if needed. For instance, if a recipe prescribes technical work beyond a child's skill level, ensure it contains other elements she can accomplish. However, do not make modifications that sacrifice the integrity of the recipe, such as omitting a step. Successful cooking with a child requires he learn the importance of a recipe's sequencing, order and structure.
- 4). Give the child a clearly defined function in executing the recipe and build value in her role. Although a child might not have the fine motor skills to dice shallots, building value in the importance of peeling the shallot before cutting it shows him the significance of preparation work when cooking.
- 5). Show the child the importance of mistakes when she makes them and use it as a learning opportunity. Fortunately, most mistakes in the kitchen, with the exception of overcooking, can be corrected through substitution, altering a technique or repeating the failed step. For instance, if a child drops an egg yolk when separating egg whites, indicate to him although the yolk needs discarding, the white still has value for other applications. This promotes conservation while allowing the child to retain a sense of autonomy.
- 6). Choose recipes that utilize techniques appropriate to a child's age. Most pre-adolescent children do not have the dexterity to perform certain functions, such as braiding dough for roped bread, but they often have the gross motor skills required to knead the dough before braiding it can begin. Other techniques commonly within a child's capabilities include measuring, pouring, stirring and pounding. (See reference one, three and four)
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