Involving your child in food preparation and other kitchen tasks is a great way to develop their fine motor skills, including grasp, bilateral coordination and tool use. Additionally working with food is highly motivating for many children. Check out a recent post at Let’s Explore where she outlines a number of simple of kitchen activities (pouring, stirring, cutting, scooping, etc.) geared to preschoolers, although all could certainly be done by older children as well.
Other suggested kitchen activities include:
- Using a potato peeler, often it is easier to start with carrots. A good peeler makes a huge difference. My favorite is made by Good Grips.
Spreading with a knife. Start with spreading on crackers or toast rather than soft bread.- Cutting with a knife and fork. Cutting pancakes is a good place to start.
- Using scissors to snip fresh herbs.
- Using a rolling pin to roll out cookie dough.
- Kneading bread dough.
- For older children, cracking an egg.
- Using a manual egg beater (can also be used to whip up soap bubbles).
- Folding napkins.
- Removing strawberry leaves with a strawberry huller.