If you have been following me or reading my blogs for a couple of months, you are already familiar with me. I am a well-versed Montessori teacher and the proud father of two beautiful children (ages 7 and 5).
I want to tell you that one of my favorite Montessori activities is food preparation in the Kitchen. I have never seen my children get so excited every time I invite them to prepare food with me.
I frequently find the opportunity to show them and make them aware of Montessori food preparation ideas, sequence purpose, and many more.
However, I regret to say that I have not had any opportunity to prepare food with my students at school.
Montessori food preparation Activities:
Before venturing into the main food preparation activity I always bear in mind that I am dealing with my own kids who are not at all experts in this field.
They are just joining me out of enthusiasm to do something new.
Here’s what I do:
I never worry about child-sized kitchen tools. I use what I have I know my children can do a lot of work in the kitchen without having access to any tools.
In addition to this, I always try to provide them with a small rolling pin, cookie cutters, and small kitchen tools like spoons, whisk, ladle, and tongs.
They can wash fruits and vegetables, kneading dough and even cracking an egg. If I find that they are struggling to wash vegetables, I show them how to do it and also discuss with them why it is important to wash vegetables properly before cooking. In this way, they would gradually learn about healthy habits.
Gradually my children got accustomed to handling small kitchen tools, washing vegetables, etc. Then one day my daughter told me that she wanted to cook lunch with me. When I heard her, I told her that I would love it if you could help me make lunch.
Next, I prepared her food preparation area by measuring out all the ingredients and having all the kitchen tools I would need.
I knew very well that my 5-year-old would make a mess with all the kitchen tools and cooking ingredients. Therefore, I acted smart and let her make simple snacks. In doing so, I avoided cleaning up a big mess afterward. Furthermore, I encouraged her to help me sweep the floors, wipe up the kitchen counters, and wash some of the dishes.
Here I would like to tell you that although I did not completely refrain from helping my daughter but did not always jump to help. I always provided her the opportunity to learn the task all by herself.
Montessori Food Preparation Ideas:
You can let your child cook a variety of simple dishes ( obviously according to your child’s age and under your supervision ). However, I suggest some of my favorite Montessori food preparation ideas that you can try with your toddler and preschooler.
- Spreading butter or jam on bread
- Slicing a banana with a child-safe knife
- Peeling a boiled egg
- Scooping and transferring yogurt into a bowl
- Pouring water or juice into a cup
- Sprinkling cheese on a mini pizza
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Mixing ingredients for simple recipes (e.g., pancake batter)
- Making a simple fruit salad
- Rolling dough for cookies or chapati
Montessori Food Preparation Purpose:
Your kitchen is an absolute powerhouse of early learning. Here a child can explore practical life, sensorial, math, language, science, family times, great memories, and many more.
- Sensorial Exploration: Cooking is helpful for children because they gradually become aware of their sensory experiences through textures, sounds, tastes, and smells. They can explore flour, eggs, and oil, engaging their senses of touch, smell, and taste.
- Language Development: Children learn a whole bunch of new words related to cooking such as names of ingredients, kitchen tools, food items, etc.
- Mathematics Skills: In the kitchen, you can involve your children in counting activities by measuring food items, cutting pasta, or placing cookies on a sheet. In addition, you can teach fractions through food cutting and use measuring cups to illustrate numerical concepts.
- Science Exploration: One can discuss scientific concepts such as how salt and sugar dissolve in water, boiling water, and observing seeds in tomatoes. You can also conduct simple kitchen science experiments.
- Collaboration & Cooperation: Cooking is such an amazing activity where parents, older and younger can participate. As a result; this brings a cooperative sense of accomplishment.
FAQ:
What Is Food Preparation In Montessori?
Food preparation in Montessori is a practical life activity.
What Is The Montessori Approach To Food?
The Montessori approach to food is a Montessori practical life activity that helps to improve children’s sensorial, language, mathematics, science, and social skills.
What Are The Cooking Skills For Montessori?
In the Montessori Practical life activity cooking is considered as an essential skill. It helps children develop independence, coordination, and responsibility.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training