Snack time takes center stage in February as we celebrate National Snack Food Month! This month, let’s shift our focus to indulging in snacks in the healthiest ways possible while still savoring delightful treats between meals. An exciting aspect of crafting a new snack is that children can seamlessly blend their passion for cooking or baking with valuable lessons in math and science. By simply following the steps of a recipe, children can establish crucial connections to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts. Engaging in the creation of a fun snack emerges as a popular family activity, fostering bonding and the sharing of traditions, all while enjoying the delicious treats that are created!
Delving into the STEM benefits, here are seven reasons why creating yummy snacks is not just a culinary endeavor but a holistic learning experience:
- Exposure to Measurement Systems Precision in measuring amounts proves to be a critical skill in various STEM subjects such as chemistry, engineering, and math. Encourage children to compare quantities, like distinguishing between one cup and a fourth of a cup, as they gather ingredients.
- Exposure to Critical Thinking A simple recipe becomes a gateway for children to learn how to assess and apply information accurately. If the child is capable of reading, empower them to take charge of reviewing and articulating the recipe aloud.
- Exposure to Chemical Reactions Children can freely experiment with creating recipes, challenging them to hypothesize why certain chemical reactions occur, like understanding why bread rises or why specific ingredients complement each other.
- Exposure to Structural Principles Delve into the varying strengths of ingredients. For instance, explore the multiple strengths of donuts and discern which is best suited for a donut with filling or which may be too delicate.
- Exposure to Problem Solving Not every recipe or baking project yields the expected outcome. Whether a taste discrepancy or an undesired texture, these instances serve as perfect opportunities to reinforce children’s problem-solving skills.
- Exposure to Creativity Crafting a snack independently encourages children to personalize a basic recipe, introducing elements like sprinkles or altering ingredients to suit their taste.
- Exposure to Real-World Contexts Engaging in activities like baking or creating one’s recipe can spark an interest in STEM by directly demonstrating its practical applications in an engaging manner.
For those moments when inspiration eludes you or the thought of a grocery run seems daunting, consider the convenience of subscribing to baking boxes. They have themed monthly boxes for children. It is also a great gift idea!
Personally, one of my favorite snack ideas involves creating a fruit smoothie or protein shake. My kids love selecting different fruits and ingredients to concoct their own delightful blend. The time invested in cooking or baking together not only cultivates cherished family moments but also enhances fundamental skills in children. Reading a recipe or the ingredients aloud together contributes to expanding vocabulary, promoting literacy, and refining the child’s ability to listen attentively and follow directions.
So, what snack will you be creating next?
Lisa Bock, Director of Child Care Resource & Referral
