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Volume 3 Issue 12
June 06, 2005
Cool Cooking
WELCOME! to Education World's Early Childhood Newsletter. Every other week, I'll share some
ideas on a familiar teaching theme. Hopefully you will find a new activity idea or two -- or a new
twist on one of your old favorites! Since I know you are very busy, I'll be short and sweet -- like
most of activities I suggest.
Tell a friend about us! Invite them to sign up for their own FREE subscription at http://www.educationworld.com/maillist.shtml#childhood
Are hot muggy days visiting your area before summer’s actual date has even shown up on your
calendar? If so, you might be wondering about activities that will keep interest high and temperatures
low? Don’t let the heat outdoors stop you from cooking with your children. Cooking strengthens
children’s skills across the curriculum. When children cook, they learn about good nutrition
for their bodies. They develop skills in math, reading, and language arts. Cooking gives children
an opportunity to create, cooperate, and to feel a sense of accomplishment. So go ahead and cook
-- just make sure you keep it cool!
Susan LaBella
Editor, Early Childhood Education Newsletter
APRONS FOR EVERYONE
Kick off your classroom-cooking unit by making simple aprons for all. Fold the long side of a kitchen
dishtowel about an inch over a piece of cotton cording and stitch along the edge of the towel. Knot
both ends of the cotton cording. Tie an apron around each child’s waist and let the cooking
begin.
NOTES:
--- In the following recipes, encourage children to do as much of the work as possible. Remember,
it builds self-esteem and teaches cooking skills.
--- Be sure children wash their hands before handling food.
SUPER SANDWICH PEOPLE
This recipe will make lunchtime lots of fun…
Spread a slice of bread with peanut butter or cream cheese. Provide a variety of food items for
facial features. For example:
Eyes -- blueberries, cherry tomatoes, grape halves, or radish slices
Nose -- cucumber slices, carrot sticks, cheese squares
Mouth -- apple or orange slices
Hair -- lettuce leaves, bean sprouts, or celery leaves
Invite children to create funny food faces!
LUCKY LADYBUGS
Help each child place a tomato half on a leaf of lettuce. Provide whole black olives for the ladybug’s
head and olive halves for the ladybug’s spots. When children have created their edible insects,
add favorite salad dressings and eat!
WOW WATERMELON!
These pops are sure to cool everyone down. In a blender mix 1-cup seedless watermelon chunks (kids
might help cut up watermelon with plastic knives), 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup water. Pour the
mixture into small paper cups and freeze partially. Then children can insert wooden craft sticks
or plastic spoons into the cups. Continue freezing. Run hot water quickly over bottom of cups to
remove pops for serving.
CRUNCHY CEREAL
Kids can concoct these nutritious parfaits: Provide each child with a clear plastic cup.
Provide large spoons and bowls of vanilla yogurt, your favorite crunchy cereal, and sliced strawberries
or blueberries. Invite children to layer the ingredients into their cups to create a pretty parfait.
SALAD THAT SINGS
Let children sing as they prepare this healthful salad:
Prepare and place out in bowls apple chunks, banana slices, melon balls, blueberries, raspberries,
and any other fruits you wish. Give each child a paper cup. Encourage children to sing the song
below as they place the various fruits into their cups.
Sing the tune of “Ten Little Indians.”
“One little,
Two little,
Three little
Apple chunks.
Four little,
Five little,
Six little
Melon balls
Seven little,
Eight little,
Nine little
Banana slices.
Ten little
Blueberries!”
Check out the following Web sites for more
background and activities.
Cooking for the Classroom
You’ll find a listing of great sites including one for Art and Cooking.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_sites/sites091.shtml
Chilly Orange Drink
This is one coooool drink!
http://www.weekiwis.com/orange.html
Dads and Kids Cookin’
Together
Filled with helpful tips on cooking tools, recipes, and family meals.
http://www.fathersworld.com/recipes/dadscookin/index.html
Kids’ Recipes
See some great ones -- from A to Z!
http://kid.allrecipes.com/az/
Recipe Collection for Kids
A great lineup of simple cooking fun -- just for young children.
http://www.inmotion-pcs.com/amass/theboss/recipe.htm
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