The Importance of Helping in the Kitchen

Thank you so much for sending in snacks during your volunteer week!

Recently we've had grape, cheese, and tomato kabobs, hummus and pita bread, sliced cucumbers, pears, and apples. Each day a child may choose to help prepare snacks whenever they like, It works on the shelf just like any other; a spreading, slicing, and juicing work.

For example, a child might receive a lesson with the spreading work. They are shown to take out the tray, choose the correct utensils, go to the refrigerator, get the corresponding containers and go to a table. Of course, they are told they must wash their hands thoroughly and wear an apron to protect their clothing. This week, pita bread and hummus were prepared and put into child-friendly containers and jars. They are shown to carefully open each pita and put just the right amount of hummus on each piece. The prepared items are placed on the snack table for everyone to enjoy during their snack. 

However the work still isn’t quite finished ~ they need to clean up! Carefully washing each piece of the work; the tray, knife, containers, etc… After everything is thoroughly washed, they prepare the work for the next child. 

Exchanges of gratitude are given and discussions about the food they helped prepare are regular conversations over snacks. “I like hummus” “I have hummus at my house, but it’s different.” 
Food is a huge part of our culture and our everyday lives. I hope and try my best to ensure that the children are a part of each step; washing, cutting, eating, and cleaning up. And here’s why: 

1. We are teaching the children how to take care of themselves! Imagine being able to say, “Go pack your lunch.” or “Can you start the coffee?” “I’m going to make dinner, get out the sauté pan please.” Beyond teaching them to dress and wash, teaching them to feed themselves and learn the rules of food is crucial to true independence. 
2. These exercises refine their neurological processes (such as concentration, focus, and forethought) increase muscle strength and dexterity, control their movements, hand-eye coordination.
Food preparation gives children the opportunity to give to others and each provides an invaluable connection to their community and family. Food has many cultural aspects and with food understanding, children can also understand that culture and carry it on for generations to come. 

It also brings awareness of reality. Not only can they see it, touch it – they also ingest it. Complete immersion and connection to it. 
From washing the veggies and fruits to cleaning the dishes, gives them a full cycle of work. Not only that but they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

Development of language and exposure to vocabulary is also an interesting and intriguing aspect of cooking. Especially for older kids, when measuring for proper portions, mathematical aspects come to play an integral role in cooking. 

So gather together for a feast and let your child do as much as possible.

-Caterpillar Teacher