One way to start teaching them these life skills is through baking. Not only will they learn how to navigate the kitchen and create food for themselves, but the benefits of baking for kids involve other important skills they’ll use throughout their life, too.
What Are the Benefits of Baking for Kids?
Baking is more than just teaching kids how to use kitchen utensils and combine ingredients—it teaches valuable skills in their overall development.
In addition to allowing kids to improve attention and focus, practice patience, and learn to follow directions, baking helps child development in the following ways.
Improving Language and Reading Skills
Baking is a surprisingly good way to aid in language development. As kids come across new words in recipes, they’ll expand their vocabulary and learn how actions pair with different words. It helps to give a demonstration when it comes to action words like whipping or sifting.
Building off of this, baking helps with reading skills. Since you’ll probably be following a recipe, it’s good practice for kids to read the recipe, comprehend it, and then apply it. For kids who are just learning to read, it’s good to read recipes with them so they understand and comprehend what’s written.
Learning About Math and Science
In addition to language and reading, baking helps kids learn science and math skills. Since baking involves counting and measuring, it’s great math practice, especially when it comes to fractions and tracking time.
Try allowing them to count out the number of eggs needed or measure out the dry ingredients. As far as science goes, it’s a great introduction to basic chemical reactions, solubility, the importance of precise measurements and more.
Practicing Motor Skills
Measuring, mixing, kneading, and chopping (if they’re old enough) help kids fine tune their motor skills, from control to strength. As you bake more together, allow them to help with things that require motor skills, starting with something basic like mixing and mobing up to pouring and flipping.
Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Relationship Building
Since baking requires concentration and effort, getting a delicious treat as a final result will boost kids’ self esteem. It can also boost their confidence, especially the more they do it.
On top of that, it’s a great bonding exercise between guardian and child. It’s a special time to spend together on a shared activity, where they get to learn and grow with you. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Learning About Different Cultures and Traditions
Food is how we connect with others and baking is a vehicle for teaching kids about different cultures and traditions.
By exploring different food-based traditions and flavors, we learn about the history of other cultures and get to step into their world for a bit. Often, cultural foods have historical significance, whether pleasant or otherwise. Nonetheless, it’s important for kids to learn about to gain perspective and learn acceptance.
Ready to unlock the benefits of baking for kids? Check out our easy-to-follow, culturally inspired recipes!
For more tips, tricks, info, and ideas, browse our blog.
