What Lessons Can Be Taught Through Cooking?
Cooking gives many people a sense of pride. It can help build self-confidence, and, if working in groups, team-building skills. For many years, teaching cooking focused on basic math skills -- addition, subtraction, fractions and measuring properly. If you were really good at teaching cooking, you even brought in some chemistry. There's even more you can do now.
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Obesity
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The obesity epidemic is affecting many young people; and bringing food preparation back into schools is one way to address this problem, according to Carolyn Jackson, executive director of the American Association of Family & Consumer Science. "There are tangible and intangible benefits to food preparation", Jackson said. It's also never too early to start kids helping out in the kitchen, according to Yvette Garfield, author and founder of Handstand Kids Cookbook Company.
Theme
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A good cooking curriculum is perfect for teachers improving STEM education at the elementary level. STEM stands for Science, Technology, English and Math. Combining these subjects in a theme such as cooking helps students draw conclusions that they otherwise might not consider. Students learn basic chemistry skills in cooking. For example: The addition of heat to a raw egg acts as a catalyst and causes a chemical reaction that solidifies the egg and makes it more palatable. Learning safe ways to use computerized equipment includes the technology that makes cooking happen, such as use of a microwave oven. Reading and understanding recipes prompts good reading skills.
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Skills
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The skills learned in cooking will last a lifetime. Cooking education teaches planning and the ability to make healthy choices. Creativity is also one of the skills learned in food preparation. After all, good recipes must come from somewhere. Learning the proper way to handle food, cooking techniques and food and table etiquette, are all skills that you will use throughout your life. It's also possible that cooking could lead to a career choice as a chef or business entrepreneur.
Etiquette
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Learning etiquette sounds terribly old-fashioned, but etiquette shows your character, not just your manners. Etiquette involves concern and respect for others, attributes some would say society is lacking these days. Etiquette makes children likable and enjoyable to have around. It demonstrates poise and confidence when behaving in a variety of social situations. This exposure to different types of dining situations, and the skills of being a host or hostess -- and even a guest -- are additional lifelong skills that cooking and food preparation can teach.
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References
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