Enlist your little one as your sous chef and hit the kitchen! We’re all doing a lot of home cooking these days. Having children help out in the kitchen is not only an enriching activity, but may also help them explore new foods! Check out the link below to read about how chefs teach their kids to cook in fun and safe ways.
Speech and Language Connections
Following directions - present one-step, two-step, or even three-step directions to your sous chef to work on this receptive language skill. Following directions is especially crucial in the kitchen.
Sequencing - review the recipe steps with your child. While preparing the meal, encourage your child to determine “what’s next” in the cooking process.
Expressive language - describe and/or ask your child to describe the different foods and textures that you’re experiencing while cooking. Cooking allows you to “get your hands dirty” and experience foods with all of your senses.
Vocabulary - be sure to review each food item and cooking instrument you use during your recipe! Cooking with your children allows you to build a new vocabulary set during a fun and functional activity!