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I’m trying a new approach to school lunches and snacks: cooking with my kids. Last week, we made a batch of yummy, healthy muffins which went to school for lunches.
Dr. Kathy Roemer, director of Twin Parks Montessori Schools in Manhattan says “One of the best ways to combine science, math and art is to include your child in cooking projects. Children as young as two can pour, mix, cut and decorate cookie dough. Older children enjoy measuring which involves math and serving which can be a division problem. When wet and dry ingredients combine and are baked, or juice is frozen, there is a transformation of size, shape and consistency. Science lessons are integrated into all cooking projects.”
Math, art and science? I love fun and delicious learning!
If your child reads, let them read the recipe. Roemer says, “Of course reading recipes can be fun as well! There are many cook books available for children. Several famous chefs have their roots in Montessori – Julia Child attended Montessori school and Alice Waters was once a Montessori teacher.”
What are your favorite cookbooks and recipes?
How about your best school lunch tricks?
Fun Cookbooks For Kids
Salad People and More Real Recipes
Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child’s Restaurant Adventure with 46 Recipes (by Alice Waters)
Cooking Blogs to read
Guilt Free Chocolate Muffins
adapted from Health, March 2008 & sent to lunch with Taylor kids last week! YUMMY!!!
1 c applesauce
1 tsp canola oil
1/2 turbinado sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
3/4 c. oat flour
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chocolate chip cookies
Mix wet ingredients and dry separately, stir together. Bake for 30 minutes at 350.
Melissa Taylor is a mom and educator from Denver who is passionate about playful learning. Thanks for visiting the site!
4 Comments
Great post! We do once a week Kids Cook Monday posts.
) Well, we cook more than that, but I make sure to take pics and blog it once a week. 
)
http://bentolunch.blogspot.com/search/label/kids%20cook%20monday
I also discovered that it’s best to alternate weeks with my kiddos, more fun, less arguing, of course.
As for lunch tips, bentos are the way to go! We do them most days and the kids love to help make them and be creative.
This is a great idea for school lunches! Plus I like anything with the words “chocolate” and “guilt-free” in the same title.
Great post. My oldest who is four loves to cook. Can’t wait to try the muffin recipe. I think I will try the suggestion of alternating times. It’s pretty challenging with a 4, 3, and 1 1/2 year old all wanting to help.
Just before I become parent, I really didn’t realize that little ones enjoy cooking food so much. My boy absolutely loves it, I think when grow up will be even much better cook than me.