Helping Mom in the Kitchen



Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010

by Wanda McDowell
Math Concentration

Research shows that a majority of the families today spend less time eating together and more time watching t.v. and playing video games. The families that do eat together spend more time communicating and sharing. They build a sense of family identity and are more committed to each others well-being. These parents are more willing to share the kitchen and teach their children family traditions and recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. When kids help their mom in the kitchen, they learn about measurements, parenting skills (caring for the family), and culture.

First off, measurement is a skill that many of my 6th graders struggle with. It may be due to several factors such as no hands on experience and the inability to apply it to real life. I find that some of my 6th graders and middle school students in general have no clue how to use a ruler or measuring cups. I try to use real world situations in my classroom that require them to use rulers and measuring cups. For example, my class and I went outside and measured different size plants and calculated the averages. You can also use no bake recipes with parents permission of course and have the students use the measuring cups. This also great for parents who want to slowly introduce baking in the kitchen:

In addition, they learn parenting skills that will last a lifetime and hopefully they will carry on the tradition with their kids. My kids love helping me in the kitchen. When they help make the food, they actually eat all of it, even the vegetables. Literally, I was in shock. Now, I let them help me more often. I guess when they cook their own food it gives them a sense of ownership and pride.

Lastly, when my kids help me in the kitchen they learn more about my family background and our culture. We cook fried chicken, collard greens, candied yams, and macaroni and cheese which are staples in my family. We call it soul food. We cook black eyed peas on New Years day because it is suppose to bring our family luck. We always bake Sweet potato pies on Thanksgiving and Christmas using a traditional family recipe.
Wanda McDowell is the founder of Math Concentration: A Math Community. Find out how to get answers to homework questions and win giveaways http://www.mathconcentration.com

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