Cooking in the classroom can be a great way for special education teachers to help their students develop important life skills. Not only does cooking allow students to practice following instructions, measuring ingredients, and using kitchen equipment safely, it can also help them learn about nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning. If math is a tricky or threatening subject for students, this is a perfect avenue for making it less stressful.
How do I get started?
There are many ways that special education teachers can incorporate cooking into their lesson plans. One idea is to start with simple recipes that only require a few ingredients and minimal prep work. This will give students the opportunity to focus on the tasks at hand and build their confidence in the kitchen. As they become more comfortable with cooking, teachers can gradually introduce more complex recipes and techniques.
In addition to teaching practical skills, cooking in the classroom can also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride for students. It can be especially rewarding for students with disabilities to see the results of their hard work and enjoy a meal that they have prepared themselves.
SEL & social skills
Aside from the practical skills that cooking can teach, it can also be a great opportunity for students to socialize and work on their communication skills. This is also a natural way to collaborate with related service providers. Working in a group to prepare a meal can be a fun and interactive way for students to practice taking turns, sharing, and collaborating with their peers.
We can tangibly see how cooking in the classroom is a versatile and enjoyable activity that can help special education teachers support the development of a wide range of life skills in their students. What happens when you don’t have access to kitchen materials and tools?
Let’s try some no-bake recipes!
- No-Bake Granola Bars: These granola bars are easy to make and can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions. Simply mix together rolled oats, honey, nut butter, and any other ingredients you like (such as dried fruit or chocolate chips) in a bowl. Press the mixture into a lined 8×8 inch pan and refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
- No-Bake Energy Bites: These tasty bites are perfect for an afternoon snack. Mix together rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and any other ingredients you like (such as chocolate chips or coconut flakes) in a bowl. Roll the mixture into balls and refrigerate until firm.
- No-Bake Cheesecake: This no-bake cheesecake is creamy and delicious, and can be made in a variety of flavors. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the mixture into a pie dish and refrigerate until firm. Top with your favorite fruit topping before serving.
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: These chocolate peanut butter bars are a classic no-bake treat. Mix together graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and melted chocolate in a bowl. Press the mixture into a lined 8×8 inch pan and refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy! You can also substitute with sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or another alternative if peanut butter isn’t an option in your school!
I hope these recipes are helpful and that your students enjoy them! While they’re great for cooking in the classroom, you can also send them home in classroom newsletters. You can encourage families to try these with students at home.
Do you cook with students in your setting? Let us know in the comments what your favorite tips and recipes are!
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