Food and eating can be a thorny issue for parents of young children. Some kids will eat everything put in front of them, whereas others (and hands up, I was one of these) don’t seem to like anything at all. How my mum and dad put up with me pushing every little bit of food to the edge of my plate and crying “can’t swallow it†I will never know. If only I was so circumspect with my diet nowadays. Apart from maybe a joke fried egg, I can’t remember if we had play food as children, but it occurred to me recently that this could have been a great help to my parents.
Role play games in toy kitchens present a great opportunity for learning.
It’s often said, in an abstract way, that all play is educational. We put this to the test this morning in the WoodenToyShop office and came up with the following reasons why pretend food and play kitchens are as educational as they are fun:
Learning about food
It is never too early to learn the names of fruit, vegetables and other food stuffs. Knowing the name of each item on their plate may help children become more comfortable with the food in front of them. Handling and examining play food or even the real stuff can also be a starting point for adults to tell kids about where food comes from and how food is produced. Talking about the journey from gate to plate could be a fun alternative to story time.
These wooden crates are filled with examples of healthy food.
Health, hygiene and safety
Cooking or baking with children gives grownups a wonderful opportunity to talk about healthy foods which will help them grow up big and strong, while explaining why it is important to keep the kitchen clean and tidy when you are preparing food. At the same time, talking to children about the dangers of sharp objects and hot ovens will be easier during play.
Just for fun: an unscientific look at the benefits of play food.
Basic mathematics
You can count your wooden vegetables. You can weigh them on your play scales. You can even cut them up and talk about fractions if you wish. If your toy kitchen has a clock, you can even learn about time while your cakes are baking.
Easily sliced, diced and counted. Now, let's talk about fractions!
Science
Playing and/or cooking in the kitchen can give kids an early understanding of combining ingredients and what processes they undergo to create something new. That’s the science bit!
You start with butter, sugar, eggs and flour. Mix them together, pop them in the oven and wait for science to make your cookies.
Reading
Reluctant readers can be encouraged by following recipes with grownups. As they learn each fruit, vegetable and ingredient, children may enjoy spelling out each letter and forming the words. Learning to follow the instructions in a recipe will also provide valuable life skills.
Social skills
All children need to learn how to play alongside other children and adults. Some take to this easily, while others need a little encouragement. Playing in the kitchen and working together to bake a cake or some biscuits is a perfect way to teach the little ones the benefits of teamwork.
Children who feel comfortable with food and with cooking and baking will not only eat better, but in later life they will be happy to cook for themselves and others, understanding the importance of healthy home cooking and good food.
