Teaching Math in the Kitchen
Using Cooking to Introduce Math Concepts
Many math lessons can be taught or introduced in the kitchen by having your children help you cook.
Cooking is a great learning tool. Here are a few of the easy math lessons that can be taught using your time in the kitchen.
Conversions
Even if you don't know all of the conversions between units of measurements, simply using the tools will help your children become familiar with the amounts that each measurement can hold. Show them the ones you do know: how two half cups equal 1 whole cup; four ¼ cups equal 1 whole cup and so on.
Use that handy conversion table in your cookbook and show your children how to find the information they need, much like using a dictionary, encyclopedia or the Internet to find information. If children grow up able to find the information they need, they are one step closer to becoming competent adults, so make sure you show your children how to find the information, whether it is finding the conversion chart or looking up a recipe.
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. If, for example, you add more salt than the recipe calls for, the food that you are cooking will come out tasting too salty. 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 than you originally wanted it to. When teaching young children about algebraic equations in this way, exposure to the mathematical concept is important even if they do not understand what they are learning. This exposure will allow building blocks for future knowledge to be built upon.
Following Directions
When you have young children who need to learn to follow directions, cooking can be an excellent method of teaching that all important lesson. Tell your children what you want to make, and that they are going to help you follow the directions to make it correctly. Reinforce how following the directions will enable you to get to your end goal of whatever meal or dessert you are making.
If your children are struggling to understand the importance of following the directions, do not be afraid to allow them to change the directions and subsequently “ruin” whatever it is you are making. Once they taste the cookies and spit them out, for example, they may be able to better understand 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.
Using ideas that create a comfortable learning environment will encourage children with learning disabilities as well. Here more ideas for teaching math at home.
