November 13, 2008
This week we have been exploring different healthy foods that we found on our exciting field trip to Perkins. The children have become engaged in cooking activities that have supported their ability of follow directions and sequencing, as well as their teamwork capabilities.
Our first delicious snack was a salad. The children each made a healthy snack from a salad bar that was set up in the classroom during center time. The children chose from several ingredients carefully making sure to follow directions and add the correct amount of each ingredient to their salad. While preparing their salads the children were encouraged to try different foods in order to expand their exploration of healthy choices. After enjoying their salads children used recall to document their healthy choices by completing a checklist to show which ingredients had been chosen. Throughout the activity children engaged in rich conversation about their healthy choices that they had made. We were amazed at how brave they were with their healthy choices.
Our second exciting cooking activity was the creation of salsa. In small groups children read recipe cards with teacher assistance and prepared salsa that was paired with a cheese quesadilla for snack. Children worked together to read, measure and mix the ingredients to make this healthy, delicious treat. Yes, your children at a mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Some children even drank this delicious treat. We are thrilled that they can make such healthy choices!
The children within our classroom are young chefs. They have enjoyed exploring, preparing and tasting these different types of food found at Perkins. We encourage you to cook with your child at home!
