Are you hunting for fun activities for your kids this summer?

Cooking and baking are not just for grownups anymore. With the popularity of “Junior Masterchef” and the reality TV shows with  real-life chefs, children are curious to don a chef’s jacket and play with food.

But, how do you know if your child is ready for a summer culinary arts program?

“If you see your children hanging around in the kitchen, especially when you are preparing meals, most likely they are interested in cooking,” says Dorothy Ferreria, a long-time culinary instructor who gives regular kiddie classes.

“Kids as young as six can help out in the kitchen. Tasks such as holding the mixing bowl for mom or handing out ingredients are enough to make them feel good about themselves. Their participation, no matter how minor, is a good start, because constant exposure can motivate them to help often.”

Tiny Kitchen’s Vicky Veloso-Barrera adds that kids are easier to teach than grownups.

“They are more trusting, honest and creative,” says Barrera, a cookbook and children’s book author and culinary instructor.

Since kids have short attention spans, most recipes taught them are simple and quick to prepare.

“Supervision is the key to cooking with kids,” says Rory Subida, instructor and manager of The Maya Kitchen. “Kids of different ages develop cooking skills at different levels.”

For example, Subida explains, kids three to six years old can do only simple procedures like mixing ingredients, and washing fruits and vegetables. Those age six to eight can fill and level measuring cups when preparing the ingredients of the recipe. Kids age eight to 10 can already use microwaves, and control their hands while cutting. Finally, those age 10 to 12 can already be taught simple baking, using the oven toaster and also cake decorating.

Children prefer to do more finger exercise activities, such as preparing rolled, molded cookies and simple breads that can be shaped into animal designs. Teens enjoy more sophisticated cakes like mousses and classy cuisine like Italian pastas and pizzas, sushi, etc.

Don’t coerce them

Jenny Peña of InterContinental Hotel, which gives monthly kiddie culinary classes, says kids should not be coerced into taking up something they don’t feel like doing.

“There was one time a boy was wearing a long face throughout the session,” recounts Peña. “The kid was unhappy because the parents just forced the son to join the cooking class. We don’t screen these kids; it’s the parents who bring them to us.”

There are some kids who get a bit scared at the beginning, but parents, who are often seated at the back of the room, just go to them and reassure them.

“The recipes our chefs teach them are very easy for the children,” adds Peña. “Usually, we have two recipes per class, one savory and one sweet.”

It’s not just the chef demonstrating the recipe, but a lot of experienced and highly qualified chefs and kitchen staff are behind the children to assist them in the proper way of handling food stuff.

After the cooking session, the children are often taken to the garden, and introduced to different herbs such as Thai basil, rosemary and thyme.

Summer culinary classes are not only designed for children with a knack for tasting good food and preparing delicious meals, but are also meant to develop their personality and teach them discipline.

“Cooking and baking recipes entail procedures; it’s a step-by-step thing that ends with a finished product,” says Ferreria. “The sequence of steps is very important, otherwise the dish will not come out as expected. This discipline of having to follow procedures prepares kids for the real world. It also teaches them to prioritize. As an example, you have to peel the onions first before you can slice or chop it.

“In baking, you have to cream the butter with the sugar before you can add the eggs. Following rules in cooking class is fun because the result is always something edible and delicious.”

Ferreria also adds that making something with their own hands enhances kids’ self-worth. It does not matter if the cookie is lopsided or slightly burnt. What is more important is that they are able to create something. The realization that they can cook or bake makes them feel good about themselves.

“Attending a cooking class gives kids the opportunity to meet other kids from different backgrounds. In class, since everything is made via group effort, they  learn how to be a team player.”

It’s a must that parents encourage their children in whatever  they’ve achieved in the culinary class.

“Praise them for a job well done and show them how much you enjoy eating what they made,” says Barrera. “Don’t expect perfection. You want them to enjoy cooking, and the more they practice the better they will become.”

Follow-up activity

In summer classes, kids will definitely learn something new each day and, at the same time,  develop their culinary skills with the right method, approach and discipline.

So, it’s always best to do follow-ups at home by having family cooking activities.

“I usually ask the moms to encourage kids to cook or bake one recipe on weekends so they don’t forget the recipes,” says Ferreria. “Kids should be encouraged to take part in menu planning so that interest in cooking or baking is sustained.”

Parents should give them  cooking-related responsibilities, like asking them to prepare their own menu for their baon.

Ferreria suggests making the kitchen a playground for the child. But, at the same time, make it safe by keeping sharp objects such as kitchen scissors and knives in a safe place. Allow kids to use their hands when preparing meals.

“For example, it is nice to marinate chicken or pork using their hands. They get to feel and smell the ingredients, and after cooking they get to taste the dish,” she says.

Finally, Subida suggests teaching children to become “hometrepreneurs.” Give them a budget so they can start selling the cookies or brownies that they bake, for instance.

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