Cooking activities are a great way for children to explore new foods, and can even help to encourage learning eaters to try something new! Here’s some ways you can get children involved in cooking activities in your centre.
Skills development
Toddlers aged 2-3yrs are developing confidence, strength, and stamina in their fine motor skills. They’re also seeking independence and autonomy in activities like self-feeding and problem solving, and have a growing interest in helping with “grown-up” tasks, like cooking!
Tasks
Suitable tasks for toddlers can include:
- Spooning, scooping, or pouring ingredients
- Cutting soft foods like bananas and cheese
- Sprinkling herbs, spices, or seasonings
- Stirring and mixing (adult to hold the bowl)
- Kneading and rolling dough
- Brushing with a pastry brush
- Shaking/tapping a sieve
- Using tongs to serve
- Retrieving ingredients from the fridge or pantry
Recipes
Give these recipes a go:
- Fruity faces
- Mini wraps
- Yogurt banana pops
- No bake apple crumble
- Chia pudding cups
- Guacamole
Top tips!
- Ensure children are always supervised when cooking and eating. Practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly.
- Ensure plenty of cloths or wipes are close to hand (before you begin!). Aprons or smocks can protect clothing and limit mess.
- Offer a variety of utensils to explore with, such as tongs, spatulas, pastry brushes, and ladles.
- Use child-safe knives with specially blunted edges. Plastic knives or smooth butter knives may also be suitable tools.