Baking Apple Crisp
I had planned a baking activity for Friday, September 22 for both the AM and PM classes. As a way to get the students excited about our first baking experience together, I brought in my apple peeler/corer. I didn’t tell the kids what it was but rather invited the students to tell me what they thought it was. The responses varied. Suggestions included: “a mixer”; “a tree machine”; “a spiker”, “a tool”. I wasn’t about to give it away… On Thursday, I had brought in the ingredients to show the students. Again, I didn’t tell them what recipe I had picked out and invited more wondering. After looking at the flour, brown sugar, oats, a bag of apples, cinnamon, etc the students made more guesses about what we might make the next day. Some of the guesses included: “applesauce”; “oatmeal”; “apple pie.” They were getting closer! Finally on Friday it was time to work together to bake. The center was set up and the students who wanted to participate and help were able too. We discussed cooking safely, and the importance of handwashing. After we all washed our hands we got started. I told them the recipe was for Apple Crisp and then I read the recipe to the eager bakers. I have photos on the display that will be set up in the hallway soon. While we worked together there was plenty of discussion about what was taking place, and about things they have helped make at home. “Oh, it’s peeling off the apple.” (Keita while using the apple peeler) “I haven’t had apple crisp in a long time.” (Charlie) “I want to try that again.” (Andrew- as he was cutting up the apple) “It is so hard to cut the apples. Why?” (Keita as she was chopping) “It looks like oatmeal.” (Andrew, pouring in the oats) “Ok, I’m done now,” (Amira, after participating) “My mom likes it.” (Hassnain as he was cutting an apple) “My mom doesn’t have that.” (Raphael referring to the apple peeler/corer) “What’s next?” (Ananya asking about the steps for the recipe) “Now we spread them,” (Maddia explaining what to do after she poured in the apple mixtur The Benefits of Baking with Children: When children participate in baking they are exploring a multitude of concepts and social skills. Numeracy Skills Baking and cooking provides real life opportunities for children to explore mathematical concepts that include measurement, weight, volume while seeing that math has practical applications. Literacy Skills As children follow a recipe they are learning to follow step by step instructions, following a sequence, and exposure to language related to cooking (mixing, pouring, etc). Science Cooking is science! The observations made, use of our senses, exploring how adding ingredients or changing a temperature can change what product we end up with, are all hands on scientific learning. A Sense of Confidence Cooking allows children to receive instant feedback, which helps them learn and grow in self-knowledge. Learning a new skill and working with others is known to help students develop a healthy self-esteem. They see themselves as capable to do something that ‘big’ people do. Just seeing the students’ confidence when allowed to chop the apples was evidence of this. Fine Motor Skills Using measuring spoons and cups, an apple corer, and even a knife for cutting provides a rich opportunity for fine motor skill development. As students use the tools to prepare the apple crisp they are also developing hand-eye coordination. Fun Cooking is fun! Allowing the children this time to work together to try something new (or not new), to participate freely, create memories and good food is just simple FUN.
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Here we are, the last day of our first week together. It's Friday and we have all had a wonderful first week getting to know one another. We have begun to establish a sense of our classroom community. We are learning how to be a Kindergarten kid! Together we have explored several centers including: big blocks; drawing in the Atelier; dramatic play (there was a lot of cooking happening in our play kitchen); counting and stacking for numeracy; play dough; loose parts; playing and exploring letters; and creating our first piece for our scrapbooks. Also, we have had our first gym classes with Mr. Hurley and our first music class with Ms. Wilson! We have visited the playground and are doing a fantastic job of lining up when being called off the playground at the end of the day. I can't wait to see what our children will explore next week!
Thanks for taking the time to read! Love, Mrs. White |
AuthorI am Mrs. Leigh White, Reggio Inspired Kindergarten Teacher at Walter and Gladys Hill Public School Archives
September 2017
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