Lots of interest in baking

There has been a lot of interest in baking lately, children have been involved in imaginative baking play in the sandpit and with the playdough. We had Salina from E.I.T and she noticed this interest and planned various experiences for the children which happened throughout her four week practicum. On this occassion I organised to make muffins and Salina helped, Jaz, Josh, Emily, Noah, Charlie, Hannah Paige, Cian and Lexi (she left the table just before I took photos) rallied around the table eager to help. We made raisin and cinnmon muffins and replaced the ingrediants with dairy free, so Mollie could also eat them for morning tea the next day. The children often ask what the white powder is, "It's egg replacement", I tell them. All of these children were very good at turn taking, often they ask, "I want a turn, is it my turn"?. I let the children know they would all get a turn at measuring an ingredient and having a turn at folding the mixture. The concept of folding the mixture provided a bit of learning for some of the children, Charlie, Noah and Jaz were very eager to mix the mixture round and around, but Salina and I talked about the process of folding the mixture, very carefully and modelled how this was done (not to over stir the mixture). This was a great opportunity to extend on childrens interest and giving them an opportunity to be involved in real baking, which we like to do at KIDSPACE as often as we can. Children are able to engage in and learn about early maths concepts through the use of measuring cups and talking about different quantities. This was a social time where children shared when they helped with baking at home and what they made, making links with their centre life and what they do at home. A fun time was had by all.

Tamara