There are many lessons that can be taught in the kitchen. Both parents and teachers can take advantage of these great math lessons that center around cooking and the tools used in the kitchen. Lessons that focus on things that children will use in real life are important as they provide great incentives for students to learn.
Teach Measurement Conversions
Even if parents do not know all of the conversions between units of measurements, simply using the tools will help children become familiar with the amounts that each measurement can hold. Easy ones to teach children include: two half cups equal 1 whole cup; four ¼ cups equal 1 whole cup and so on. Teachers should bring these tools into the classroom to teach conversion lessons.
Use the conversion table in any cookbook and show children how to find the information they need. Use this tool much like using a dictionary, encyclopedia or the Internet to find information. It is just as important for children to know how to look up the information they need as it is for them to memorize important information.
Introduction to Algebraic Equations
Cooking can be a great way to explain to children how an algebraic equation works. Each recipe calls for specific amounts of each ingredient, and if you add too much or too little of something the food will often come out tasting different than it is supposed to. The same goes for algebraic equations - if you do not solve the equation correctly, using the proper steps, the answer will become something completely different.
Exposure to mathematical concepts such as algebraic equations is important even though young children may not understand what they are learning. This exposure will allow building blocks for future knowledge to be built upon. This concept, called a spiral curriculum, is present in most curriculum's currently in use in schools.
Teach Children to Following Directions
Cooking can be an excellent method to teach children how to follow directions . Tell the children what they are going to make, and that they are going to have to follow the directions. Reinforce how following the directions will result in a tasty meal or dessert.
Do not be afraid to allow children to change the directions and subsequently “ruin” whatever dish they are making. This may be a more effective way to teach them why it is so important to follow the directions. Cooking is a safe way to allow children to make mistakes and not follow the directions without harsh or lasting consequences.
Teaching children in the kitchen is a great hands-on way to introduce and reinforce a variety of skills. If teachers do not have access to a kitchen, they can look for bake free recipes that can still be made in the classroom. One such recipe is the Mandarin Orange Salad.
You may also be interested in more information on teaching math, including how to teach students with a math disability.
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