Hodgepodge

You ARE an Artist!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About Us
  • Art Lessons
  • Blog
  • Tricia’s Book
  • Homeschool
  • Healthy
  • Shop
You are here: Home / Habits for Happy Kids / Back to basics: the cook box

February 2, 2010 by: Hodgepodgemom

Back to basics: the cook box

Funfetti cookies with icing, pineapple supreme cake, raspberry and blueberry muffins. My children have been cooking up treats with a Christmas gift from Nana.

The cook box she gave them is brimming with boxed mixes but most importantly, sprinkles.

The girls decided they would bake a few items from the cook box each week. So a bit of decision making skills are at play. They must agree on the item to bake. Decide when to bake it – for tea time or for after-dinner dessert? Maybe it’s muffins for breakfast?

Here’s a quick skill check list:

  1. math – measuring, as well as calculating quantity for our family of seven
  2. figuring the equivalent egg substitute so that Lil’ Buddy can participate
  3. learning to use the mixer and oven
  4. safety skills – don’t get burned!
  5. cleanliness – wash hands first!
  6. a good cook always cleans up the mess
  7. donning an apron is fun
  8. Mama will say yes when it’s easy

Now before you get on to me for allowing children to bake a bunch of sweets, the point is FUN. The cook box is part of the plan to be spontaneous. We have the ingredients on hand, all in one place, ready to stir up.

Mix up some memories! Each time I draw up a meal plan, I look for spots I can include the children in the baking and cooking. I call this list Cooking Fun and place it prominently at the top of my meal plan. See, I need these prompts. The children enjoy the spontaneity. I must seize the opportunity to teach, enjoy my children and allow them to be part of the action.

But, of course, decorating and eating is the best part! It’s no wonder the youngest girl declares that when she grows up she “will be the queen of cupcakes and all things sweet!”

You can even make baking part of school with a free unit and lapbook study from Homeschool Share.


Bonus: While you are baking, print these free pages from About Homeschooling on this Groundhog Day.

Kerri has the handle on What’s For Dinner? in her series. If you missed it earlier, she covers everything from planning, coupons and purchasing to preparation and presentation.

-Tricia homeschools five children from preschool to high school, mixing up a classical and Charlotte Mason style. She is author of art curriculum for all ages and a series of cookbooks at Hodgepodge.

Question: How about you?

What’s your favorite, messy activity to say yes to?

Related

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

Starting the Day Right
Habit Formation: The Habit of Crying out to the Lord

Comments

  1. Kendra says

    February 2, 2010 at 7:04 AM

    LOVE this idea! How fun!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie Meadows says

    February 2, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    this a wonderful idea! Love it!

    Reply
  3. Wendy says

    February 2, 2010 at 7:19 PM

    Thanks Tricia,
    We needed something like this for inspiration. We are going to try homemade ravioli and sauce.

    Reply
  4. joe says

    February 2, 2010 at 10:48 PM

    Yep sometimes getting messy is what is is all about. Great stuff!

    Reply
  5. Kerri says

    February 5, 2010 at 11:56 PM

    My kids would go gaga for this box of baking fun.
    Some favorite messy yes’s are playdoh, painting and outside in the mud.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Tricia’s book!




Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Welcome to Hodgepodge!

Thanks for visiting! I'm Tricia and I've been homeschooling since 2000. You ARE an artist with our mix of art lessons, helpful homeschool habits for multiple ages, recipes, reviews and more. It’s a Hodgepodge! Read More…


Art for All Ages



4 {FREE} ebooks plus subscriber-only art tutorials

Success! Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Our Sister Websites




Categories

Follow Tricia Hodges | Hodgepodge's board You ARE an Artist on Pinterest.


Acrylics"

Master

Recent Comments

  • Kari Vanhoozer on Manners Monday
  • Marni on Manners Monday
  • Hodgepodgemom on I’m Writing My Own Cookbook – A Scrapbook of Recipes
  • Lise McGuinness on I’m Writing My Own Cookbook – A Scrapbook of Recipes
  • Hodgepodgemom on Mama Ann’s Morning Bars

  • Contact us
  • Best of Hodgepodge
  • Parenting
  • Tapestry
  • Healthy Mama
  • Essential Oils

Copyright © 2021 · Hodgepodge, a Southern Hodgepodge, L.L.C. site. | DMCA Notice