Cooking Program for Young Children?

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Has anyone participated in a cooking class for children?




I’m brainstorming ideas because I want to create an organized activity for children. I really want to incorporate some of the ideas I’ve learned into something that ‘fits’ with my style and interest with kids.

For a while I was looking into a Waldorf style circle program but that isn’t fitting so well with me ~ I just don’t think I have the internal energy for it.

So, I was thinking about a cooking program. I like to cook, I like the kitchen, I grow some vegetables…and I know this is something that often requires the maximum energy from parents. I also know that many parents struggle their child’s diet.

I think something like this would be a good skill for a pre-school co-op and I would like to create a web resource for parents if it works out.

Thanks!

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Oh, and I’m also interested in ‘old fashioned’ cooking appliances so I could incorporate that interest as well.

[Wilhemina]

You mean like hand cranked apple peelers/corers and pasta makers?

How fun this sounds.

I opened this thread because my dd loves to cook. Has participated in a "cooking camp" put on by our favorite local bakery, and cooks every week as part of her "curriculum." But I'm not sure if any of those experiences will help you plan your class.

I can recommend a kid's cook book: Honest Pretzels by Mollie Katzen. It is a real cookbook (not "Ants on a Log", iykwim), has explicit instructions numbered with pictures, and happens to be vegetarian (which we appreciate). I'm not doing it justice here. It is worth trying to find it so you can browse.

Good luck with your plans. I'd like to hear more as you organize them!

[jessicafairy]

The Children's Kitchen Garden by Barchechat
A lovely book all about a french-american school where everyone works in the garden and everyone eats from the garden. Simple recipes and lots of wonderful ideas.

Oh, and check out any local historical villages or the like. Historic Deerfield (near me) does a hearth cooking class for kids and I believe Old Sturbridge does something similair. Whole Foods sometimes does kids cooking classes as well.