Author: Karli Giles
Planning Unit: Jessamine County CES
Major Program: Food Preparation
Plan of Work: Improved Communication Skills & Life Skill Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
A three-day cooking class was offered to 40 students, ages ranging from 9-13 years old, at North Central 4-H Camp by the Jessamine County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and Snap-Education Assistant. Over the course of the three days, a variety of skills were taught. Students learned how to read a recipe, how to measure ingredients with the correct measuring tool, and how to use kitchen utensils safely. In addition to learning the basic principles of cooking, students had to work together to prepare the recipes. Working in a team is a critical skill to have at all ages and is an advantage to develop at such a young age. Seven students even indicated this was their favorite part of the class, working together and making new friends in the process. Students also learned the science involved in cooking when making their pizza dough with yeast and making homemade ice cream. Over 60% indicated they could describe the science of ice cream as a result of taking the class. The number one goal of this class was to provide students with the knowledge and skills to prepare meals on their own. The skills learned as a child will follow them into adulthood. If cooking is in their toolbox, then they will feel confident in preparing meals at home, which as we know are usually healthier than meals purchased outside of the home. As a result of this class, 75% of students stated they planned to make at least one of the recipes at home. Seeing the excitement on the students' faces after preparing a recipe and hear them say they are going to share these recipes with their parents made the cooking class a success.
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