Hands On Math In The Kitchen

I just love taking my children in the kitchen with me. There are so many lessons they can learn from science to math to spelling to reading and the list goes on and on. I want to share with you how you can have fun in the kitchen and have a math lesson as well.

• Measurement is easy to teach in the kitchen. You can measure water in different measure amounts to familarize your child about how much something is. For example fill 2 1/2 cup measuring cups with water and then pour them into the 1 cup measuring cup demonstrating how 2 1/2s create a whole 1. You can demonstrate the same thing using 1/3s and 1/4 measuring cups as well. You can also create a recipe and allow them to measure the ingredients needed.



• Algebraic equations can even be taught in the kitchen. I know you are probably wondering how. Since cooking requires exact measurements having too much or too little of an ingredient could cause a disaster. Algebra is alike in that way that the algebraic equation will not work unless the equation is perfectly correct using the proper steps and correct numbers having too less or too much will prove wrong as well. If the recipe calls for 1 cup allow your child to only use the 1/3 measuring cup and figure out the answer. Thinking is a study in its own and is very important it allows your child to figure things out on their own



• Cooking also teaches kids to follow directions. Reading the directions also allows them to practice reading skills. Choose a recipe for your child to make and tell them that you are not going to read them the directions or tell them how to make it. Give them a copy of the recipe and allow them to read the directions their selves. Remind them that following the directions and using correct measurement will ensure that the recipe will taste good.
  

Apple Crisp Recipe for Kids
4 to 6 apples
2 tsp lemon juice
½ cup oats
½ cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
6 tbsp cold butter

Preheat oven to 375. Oil an 8 x 8 baking dish. Peel, core and slice the apples. Place apples in the baking dish and sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in separate bowl. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to cut in the butter, until crumbly.
Spread oat mixture over apples. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

Carrot Raisin Salad
2 c. grated raw carrot
1/2 c. raisins
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. diced celery
1/4 c. chopped nuts
Salad dressing to taste
6 lettuce leaves

Mix carrots, raisins, lemon juice, celery, and nuts. Toss lightly with salad dressing, Serve cold on crisp lettuce leaves, Makes 6 serving