How Do I Set Up a Cooking Class at Home?
To help you create a fun and educational homeschool cooking class for kids ages 7-10, we asked experienced educators and professionals for their top tips. From emphasizing transferable cooking skills to introducing cultural diversity through recipes, here are six expert tips shared by co-founders, founders, and consultants to make your class a success.
- Emphasize Transferable Cooking Skills
- Incorporate Math into Cooking Lessons
- Create a Group Cooking Class
- Prioritize Safety in the Kitchen
- Foster Creativity and Exploration
- Introduce Cultural Diversity through Recipes
Emphasize Transferable Cooking Skills
My number one tip is to remember to remove the plastic from the pizza before placing it in the oven. No, I jest (sort of). But really, when leading a homeschool cooking class, the key is to emphasize skills that are transferable to other cooking activities—things like following a recipe carefully, measuring accurately, kitchen safety, how to use tools and equipment, proper clean-up procedures, and the like.
These skills will get a lot more mileage than specialized ones like separating an egg or melting chocolate in a double-boiler (Although, those are great too!) And, of course, remember to let them do as much of the activity as they possibly can. I know it’s painful when the cookies are misshapen or there are egg shells in the bowl, but practice makes perfect!
Vida Mercer
Writer | Consultant, Mercer Homeschooling
Prioritize Safety in the Kitchen
When leading a homeschool cooking class for kids, it’s important to prioritize safety above all else. Make sure that the kids are aware of all the potential hazards in the kitchen, such as sharp knives, hot surfaces, and boiling water. Teach them how to safely handle kitchen tools and equipment, and supervise them closely at all times to ensure that they are following the instructions and staying safe.
Also, encourage them to wash their hands frequently while working in the kitchen to avoid the spread of germs. By prioritizing safety, you can ensure that the kids have a fun and educational experience in the kitchen.
Basana Saha
Founder, KidsCareIdeas
Incorporate Math into Cooking Lessons
By integrating math into the cooking class, kids can develop practical and applicable math skills while also learning how to cook. This can include measuring ingredients, converting units of measurement, and using fractions to adjust recipe portions.
For example, have the kids measure out ingredients using measuring cups and spoons and discuss how different measurements can affect the recipe. This not only makes the class more interesting but also helps kids apply their math skills in real-life scenarios.
Roy Lau
Co-founder, 28 Mortgage
Create a Group Cooking Class
My daughter loves making recipes from a subscription kit we’ve signed up for, but it isn’t as fun as it is with people.
An alternative is to create a small group cooking class where you co-op and rent a commercial kitchen for hours. This gives families the space to teach, prep, and clean without walking all over each other. When you divide the costs amongst families, it becomes reasonable.
Jason Vaught
Founder and CSO, 805SEO
Foster Creativity and Exploration
Give them the freedom to experiment with ingredients, textures, and flavors to find what they enjoy. Teach them basic cooking skills such as measuring and chopping, but also allow them to engage their senses and learn through hands-on experience. Incorporate age-appropriate recipes and themes to keep them interested and excited about cooking.
Finally, emphasize the importance of safety and responsibility in the kitchen to empower them to be confident and independent cooks. By fostering exploration and creativity, you can help your students develop a lifelong love of cooking and a sense of pride in their culinary creations.
Anirban Saha
Founder, MrPlanter
Introduce Cultural Diversity through Recipes
Selecting recipes from different countries or regions is an innovative way to introduce children to new foods and cultures. It promotes cultural awareness and tolerance, which is an important lesson for children to learn. It also encourages them to explore different flavors and cuisines.
For example, the homeschool cooking class could make a Japanese sushi roll, a Spanish paella, or an Indian curry. This can open up discussions about the culture surrounding each dish and the ingredients used. It also expands their taste buds and cooking knowledge beyond their familiar home cuisine.
Jason Cheung
Operations Manager, Credit KO
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