10 ways to empower kids to cook

Here are 10 things outside of showing them how to follow a recipe that you can do to help empower your kids to cook.

1. Make sure there is a sturdy step stool or chair for smaller children so they can reach counter height.
2. Teach measuring skills. Explain what the numbers and words on measuring cups and spoons mean and work with kids on mastering a quarter cup or a tablespoon.
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3. Get them their own cookbook. It doesn't have to be a kids' cookbook. It could be one that focuses on a food they like such as pasta or chicken. Or get a subscription to Chop Chop magazine, a new kids' cooking magazine that is really well done.
4. Take kids to the market -- the grocery store or the farmers market -- and let them choose ingredients for the recipes they want to make.
5. Teach kitchen safety. Show them how to wash hands thoroughly, handle knives properly (at the appropriate age, of course ), how to put knives safely out of the way, how to turn pot handles in so they don't stick out, how to check and make sure they've turned off the stove and the oven, and all the other things that prevent injuries in the kitchen.
6. Teach them to use kitchen tools (again, at appropriate ages). Cheese graters, garlic presses, mixers, blenders, and other gadgets really interest kids.
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7. Teach your kids where food comes from. Start a small garden. Take them to a farm to see cows that will eventually become beef or pigs that will eventually become bacon.
8. Once kids get past preschool, don't call things like "worms in the dirt" and "ants on a log" cooking. You don't have to do away with them, just let kids know those things aren't cooking.
9. As their skills improve, let them know which dishes you'll allow them to cook on their own without your supervision and which dishes they need to have a grown-up by their side to make.
10. Teach them to clean up after themselves. Making a mess is fine. Leaving a mess is not.

Excerpt from a blog by Robyn Shreeves, Mother Nature Network - http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating-recipes/blogs/10-ways-to-empower-kids-to-cook

May 2010 Program Progress

The total number of students served to date:
125 elementary, middle, and high school scholars

The communications between staff and school day teachers, parents, and partners:
We reviewed the homework journals that our scholars bring home from school each day. We also communicate by home visits, blogs, text messages, and other social media.

Examples of activities and services that have been provided:
Homework Help, Science Experiments, Engineering Building Simulations, Sand Art Design, Reed Flute Classes, Music Reading, Hip Hop Dance, Inertia Experiments, Making Weather Experiment, Drill Formation Basics, Business Correspondence, Tutoring, Skateboarding, Fitness, Social Media, Computer Robotics, Student Council, Culinary Certification, Interior Design, Public Speaking Community Service; Career Exploration; College/Career Passport Portfolios.

The impact the program has had on students and families:
Restored hope; strengthened leadership skills; provided income; expanded vision of possibilities for their future

Academic success stories attributed to program activities:
Dylan was failing four classes in January 2010. Presently, he is passing three classes.

Specific school data used to target improvement in each student’s academic success:
We are using teacher behavior surveys and grade reports. This data helps us identify the types of specific course tutors (i.e., reading) and social classes (sexual abuse awareness) to provide for our scholars. We stress the importance of completing homework and the power of simply showing up and taking advantage of free service to increase the quality of life.

The project staff/volunteers and professional development opportunities:
The program recorded approximately 186 volunteer hours and service by 5 staff and volunteers including Alex Cawthon, Tyeisha Haynes, Asia Allen, Octavia Moore, Keith Jones, Reginald Taber, Mumika Momelow, Dr. Chukwuogo; Dr. Barnhill, Patsy Anthony; Sheila Williams, Catherine True, Becky King, Evelyn Parker and a host of other professionals who provide services from housekeeping to tutoring to career exploration days. Professional Development activities have included the SEDL Teacher Training Modules, Child Abuse, Home Visit Training; Nutrition; Lesson Planning; Tutoring. April 22 the TEAMS Institute held a staff development day and training for summer session.

Partnerships and community collaboration activities:
Ag Extension-nutrition education; Carl Perkins Center-child abuse; Carroll County Interagency Taskforce – coordination and networking of youth services; career exploration speakers representing organizations such as the McKenzie Regional Hospital; Tennessee Department of Transportation and others.