Kids of all ages can have fun and get involved in the kitchen!
Children 2 and younger:
- Learn the names and colors of foods
- Smell foods and maybe even taste small amounts (depending on the food)
- Play with measuring cups, spoons, containers
- Rinse and scrub fruits and vegetables
- Play with a bowl of water and a whisk
- Put things in the trash
Children 3-4 years:
- Snap, tear, or break foods
- Cut shapes in dough with a cookie cutter
- Dip foods into dips
- Open packages
- Pour liquids into sturdy glasses
- Arrange foods on a plate
- Help stir together ingredients in a bowl
Children 4-5 years:
- Make sandwiches
- Measure ingredients
- Cut with a dull butter knife
- Squeeze juice from fruits
- Shake small containers, such as zip-lock bags to mix ingredients
Children can also help:
- Set and clear the table
- Clean up
- Get ingredients and equipment out and put them away
The older they get, the more responsibility they can take on! Not only will children develop a sense of pride when they are allowed to help in the kitchen, but they will also learn many other skills. Cooking and helping in the kitchen can improve reading, math, science, thinking, social, and health skills!
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