Cooking Tips for Young Children
According to the California Department of Education, 87 percent of children in the fourth through eighth grades cook or make some of their own meals. This makes the kitchen an ideal environment in which to teach children the importance of proper nutrition, food safety and how to follow recipes. A child as young as two-years-old can perform simple food-preparation tasks and learn principles of healthful eating. Does this Spark an idea?
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Preparation Work
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Simple preparations, such as washing vegetables and cleaning food surfaces, are ideal for young children. According to the Oregon Department of Education, children two-years-old can contribute in the kitchen by washing and tearing lettuce or leafy greens, scrubbing tabletops, snapping green beans and breaking cauliflower. Three-year-old children can mix ingredients, pour liquids, spread soft spreads and assist in cleaning up. Children aged four and five can move on to tasks requiring more dexterity, such as peeling oranges and eggs, cutting herbs with blunt kitchen scissors and measuring ingredients.
Techniques
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Certain techniques, such as preparing baked items, can involve children aged three and above. Teach children how to measure ingredients and, after baking, show them how to gauge whether the item is done by using a toothpick inserted into the center. Demonstrate how to chop fruit and vegetables and how to use various tools, such as a grater, a garlic press or a citrus squeezer.
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Safety
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Safety plays a paramount role in the kitchen, particularly if children play an active role in cooking. Teach children the importance of sanitation, proper food storage and safe handling of hot items. Tell children that harmful bacteria can grow in the "danger zone" between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F. Show them which foods must stay cold and which must stay hot for safe consumption. Other teaching points include washing hands and food contact surfaces frequently, preventing cross-contamination by storing food properly and reheating food to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Show them the proper way to handle raw meats and fish.
Nutrition
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Nutrition plays a pivotal role in cooking, especially when teaching young children. The Mayo Clinic suggests preparing healthful recipes alongside children preschool-age and above. Explain food substitutions and recipe ideas that promote healthful cooking and eating, such as using low-fat yogurt in place of ice cream and baking commonly fried items, such as tortilla chips.
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References
- Photo Credit vegetables image by cherie from Fotolia.com
