Cooking

Children can learn almost anything through cooking, including lessons in nutrition, culture and STEM. Many children love preparing food because they can taste delicious treats and feel satisfied after making something special.

Cooking experiences in early childhood education can be incredibly social, allowing for meaningful small group and one-on-one interactions.

The benefits of cooking

The benefits of cooking include:

• STEM skills
• fine motor development
• food appreciation
• health and wellbeing
• self-help skills
• sensory development
• social skills.

Learning opportunities

Explore types of cooking

Children can learn about different types of cooking:

• baking
• campfire cooking.

Learning experiences

Froth milk and whisk egg whites

Experiment with air in the kitchen. Use a coffee machine or portable milk frother to froth milk. Use electric beaters to whisk egg whites and make meringue.

Cook yummy allergy-safe treats

Cook a special treat for the people at your service who have food allergies or intolerances. Research recipes that don't include any of the ingredients they can't have.

While you arecookingwith your children, talk about suitable replacements for ingredients like wheat, eggs and milk.