Practical Life Activities - cooking

Today's activity looks at cooking with your toddler.

When I say cooking I really mean combining the ingredients and (if your toddler is anything like mine) having a good taste!!!

Making Scones

Firstly, this activity takes quite a bit of preparation on your part. It's best to have ingredients measured out and in easy to pour containers. You also have to leave the recipe to one side and hope for the best!!!

So, we use flour (about a cup full), butter (a small chunk), milk (to combine the mixture), baking powder (a tablespoon), a grated apple and a handful of raisins. Then allow them to mix until they are happy! Bear in mind you will probably have flour overboard and loose a few raisins to your toddlers tummy!!! If they can manage, help them to blob the mixture on to a baking tray. If not you can do this later (that's what I do for now).

With all these activities it's important to allow the child to have freedom to carry out the activity without interfering too much. When they have finished and gone off to play you can mix it better. Try not to get into the activity too much unless they ask for help or it's getting out of hand. If need be, take the bowl away and ask them to help you clean up either wiping the surface of washing a spoon!

Other things we have tried when we need to get on and make dinner is: washing vegetables (yes, you will have to wash them again after), helping to put chopped veg into a pan, pulling leaves off the spinach and grating cheese (although he's a little bit small for this but it did keep him occupied until he'd eaten all the cheese)!

Got an idea for us to try out? Leave us a comment below.