When children cook, they’re learning math, reading, and science. Following a recipe involves counting, measurement, and fractions (two teaspoons, three tablespoons, twenty stirs, whole, half, etc.) By mixing with the electric beater and flipping the pancakes, the children learned about kitchen safety and gained confidence from performing these “grown-up” tasks responsibly.
Perhaps most importantly, the children practiced important social skills while cooking Working together and taking turns, waiting patiently for the pancakes to come off the griddle, and cleaning up at the end all provided important learning opportunities. The active, hands-on nature of cooking made it fun for the kids, and having a tangible and delicious product to share at the end made the effort worthwhile!