Hi there,
When I cook with a class of kids, I write up the recipe in large letters on chart paper and hang it up high so all the cooking "teams" can see it. Depending on how complex the recipe is, I might also set up the equipment ahead of time. Then, each team makes their own (e.g., a team pizza), or each student within each team makes their own (e.g., a jar of pickled turnip), but they have each other to rely on for help deciphering the recipe.
Another way I've done it is to set up a table at the front of the room, with two "stations" -- one at either end of the table -- and run it like a cooking show. Then separate the students into two teams and invite two students up to do each task. The other kids are engaged as the audience and have fun watching their teammates do their bit and cheering them on -- even if it's just measuring and pouring the salt. Next! It's not exactly a relay race, but it approaches that kind of excitement. (If I know the students well, I'll know which one from each team to call up for the next task or step in the recipe. I don't want to embarrass students who don't know their fractions yet, for example, but they might make great graters.)
If you don't have all the cooking equipment you need yet, you and your students could make a list and then put it out to the school community (especially those into decluttering) or a local cooking/hardware/housewares shop with a connection to the school.
Re the cleaning up. I always had a parent volunteer or two on hand when cooking with my class. I would get the kids to clean up their team's station, but for health reasons, I left the final washing up to the parents. It's a simple task and a huge gift that they can contribute -- and they don't need supervision! ;-)
Julie
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Julie Johnston
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-25-2021 04:18:25 PM
From: Pamela Cooley
Subject: What to do...alternate activities while kids are cooking?
I have had some great fun with my garden club and other classes cooking in the outdoor classroom this fall. We have made several of the recipes that have been listed through these networks... so thanks for sharing.
I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for me. It seems most of the time there are "jobs" for everyone with the recipes I choose but grating a zucchini and measuring/dumping a teaspoon of salt are much different. I don't have the extra materials, ability or space to have several small groups all making the entire recipe. What other activities do you do when students are finished with their one step of a multi-step recipe? I try to have them all paying attention to the others but sometimes I have wandering kids... Simple garden/kitchen related activities that won't need a lot of supervision?
Thanks so much!
Pam
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Pamela Cooley
Prairie Winds Elem Hawk Gathering Garden
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