Kids in the Kitchen - Learning Experiences

As an artist in the theatre, I've spent most of my life creating things to express myself and work with others. In the kitchen, children can do exactly the same thing and have a wonderful time in the process.

When children have the opportunity to prepare food in the kitchen, they learn many valuable lessons. They learn what is healthy, how foods are put together to make meals, and how to work together.

To get your kids going in the kitchen -- Have a food encyclopedia in the kitchen or have your internet going. Look up the ingredients you are using. Find out their Latin name, their origin, and common preparations. Also, look up why the food is the color it is, or the volatile chemicals that make it do what it does.

For example: What is the difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder? Why is one apple red, while another is green? Is an eggplant from an egg or a plant? Make it a learning experience!

Using their hands to knead dough or cut out shapes refines their motor skills. Observing an egg change from a slimy liquid to a gelatinous solid is a wonderful science lesson in chemistry and physics. Decorating a pizza with veggies (or fruit!) is an artistic and delicious way to learn about shapes, colors, and composition.

Most of all, having the kids in the kitchen teaches teamwork, that each person is important and can contribute to the whole project. Sharing tools, taking turns, and appreciating others' efforts are just a few of the social skills that will help them as they grow up and deal with unique or tough situations.

So have fun, and lay the foundation for your kids to express themselves and learn at the same time. They don't call it "Culinary Arts" for nothing. {:-)