Making cupcakes
This week it was one of the older children’s birthday and she asked if she could make some cupcakes with her friends to eat for lunch. This particular child asked if she could have vanilla cupcakes so we organised to buy some. On the morning of her birthday she couldn’t wait to start making them. First we sourced the ingredients from the store room and the utensils we needed from the kitchen.
A group of children organised the cupcake holders into tins while another group helped gather the oil/water and measure it into jugs. After setting up the table the children and I then washed our hands and sat around the table. First I read allowed the instructions on the back of the packet to all the children so they each knew what we needed to do. Next the children took turns placing the mixture into the bowl and stirring it with the wooden spoon. One of the older children cracked one egg into the bowl whilst another stirred it. The children who measured the oil and water then added theirs to the mix and combined it with a wooden spoon. Once finished the children then took turns in spooning the mixture into the cupcake holder, we then placed them in the oven and waited 25 minutes. When the cupcakes were cooked we took them out of the oven and left them on the stove to cool down. The child whose birthday it was asked if she could decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles and marsh mellows, they looked awesome and the children said they were “yummy”
Through this activity the children developed skills in maths and science as they measured, calculated, and problem solved. The children were able to create cupcakes and then decorate them to share at one of the children’s birthday lunch, this promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as knowledge of ingredients, and utensils related to cooking. Consistent Parenting Advice, (2009) agrees stating that “cooking with children encourages creativity, an understanding of food, responsibility and involvement. It requires hands on use of maths concepts, planning, thinking, and time management. Cooking with children also provides opportunities for teachers and peers to bond and master new skills.
Consistent Parenting Advice, (2009) also lists the benefits/skills children can derive from food technology, these are: Cooking skills, presentation, responsibility, hygiene, math and science, weight and measurement, and creativity and imagination.
Ministry of Education, (1996) suggests that children should experience an environment where there are opportunities to develop skills in relation to maths and science. I believe that cooking is a great activity that integrates both those curriculum areas in a fun and creative way.
A question to think about:
Do you feel that I should be promoting healthier cooking options rather than following the children’s suggestion to make cupcakes?
Reference List:
Consistent Parenting Advice, (2009). Children Cooking, Retrieved on 19th of April 2011 from http://www.consistent-parenting-advice.com/children-cooking.html
Ministry of Education, (1996). Te Whāriki. He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: New Zealand: Learning Media.
Wow, what a question Nicole! Certainly a dilemma for us as early educators! I believe that we have many opportunities for discussing healthy foods and making healthy foods with the help of technological tools and processes. However, If we are truly tuned into the childs interests, do we not have to follow those interests if meaningful learning is to take place? I 100% believe that you did the right thing Nicole as if you think about the childs cultural context, she understands that birthdays are celebrated with birthday cakes and cupcakes. You are supporting her need to celebrate her special day with her friends so well done! By offering this experience, children were able to see technological processes in action as well as using different technological tools which were needed to achieve the desired result - the yummy cupcakes. What a wonderful birthday this child must have had thanks to you! Well done Nikole!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cathy that your response contributed to making this a birthday that this girl will remember. Part of healthy eating includes having some 'treats' - it's about balance and moderation - and of course in this case, technology! You could always follow up this experience with other, more health conscious cooking/technology experiences.
agreed!! i feel that there needs to be a balance between healthy foods and sweet treats but especially for birthdays there are always exceptions. if the children were at home they would have had cupcakes and if you had taken that away and said no to the cup cakes what would she have thought of her birthday?? not only that but same as cathy, the child was supported and was involved in her birthday not just handed a cake to eat. she had choices and u listened to them (with the vanilla flavour) but i feel we often get too caught up in the politics of the sugar and the label of bad food to see the experience and opportunity that you gave the children....what do you think? Well done. hope they tasted great :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, You helped to make the occasion special and memorable for the birthday girl. Not only did she get the type of cake she wanted she and her friends prepared them. What a fantastic experience you gave to each child invovled. This fun activity would have provided many learning opportunities. You gave an experience to the children and who knows you may have inspired a future baker or chef.
ReplyDeleteAs for making cupcakes, cake is a birthday trend for kiwis and it's not like we have birthdays everyday so good call Nic.
Perhaps if baking became a regular weekly event then you would look at implementing other recipe ideas like bran or fruit muffins. However with the speed that young children move at, as long as they do not live on cakes and chocolate it should not be a problem.
Awesome work Nicole!