Last Wednesday was our annual Harvest Soup potluck dinner! Families bring soup ingredients and the kids make the soup during the day, and then in the evening, families bring potluck foods to enjoy with the soup. We absolutely love this time of gathering together as a community! The kids really enjoy helping to make the soup – and the halls smell delicious as it cooks! I do wish I could attend, but alas, I’m on a strict diet of cheese. But I heard all about how much fun it was from my friends!
Did you know that cooking with young children is not only fun, but also helps them learn and grow? When kids pour, scoop, or tear ingredients, they are strengthening fine motor muscles in their hands. Counting and measuring ingredients helps develop number sense and math skills. Reading recipes and talking about the steps builds language and vocabulary. Following a recipe teaches kids how to follow directions and helps develop self-regulation and executive function skills. Cooking is also full of sensory experiences, such as the whir of an egg beater, the sizzle in a pan, kneading bread, and noticing different textures while tasting ingredients. It’s also a great bonding experience! Whether it is making a snack, helping to prepare dinner, or baking a special dessert, there are many ways for children to get involved in the kitchen! What can your child help you cook this week?
With squeaks and hugs,
Joy the Mouse🐭
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Harvest Soup: Cooking with Kids
Posted: October 27, 2026 by Total Child
Last Wednesday was our annual Harvest Soup potluck dinner! Families bring soup ingredients and the kids make the soup during the day, and then in the evening, families bring potluck foods to enjoy with the soup. We absolutely love this time of gathering together as a community! The kids really enjoy helping to make the soup – and the halls smell delicious as it cooks! I do wish I could attend, but alas, I’m on a strict diet of cheese. But I heard all about how much fun it was from my friends!
Did you know that cooking with young children is not only fun, but also helps them learn and grow? When kids pour, scoop, or tear ingredients, they are strengthening fine motor muscles in their hands. Counting and measuring ingredients helps develop number sense and math skills. Reading recipes and talking about the steps builds language and vocabulary. Following a recipe teaches kids how to follow directions and helps develop self-regulation and executive function skills. Cooking is also full of sensory experiences, such as the whir of an egg beater, the sizzle in a pan, kneading bread, and noticing different textures while tasting ingredients. It’s also a great bonding experience! Whether it is making a snack, helping to prepare dinner, or baking a special dessert, there are many ways for children to get involved in the kitchen! What can your child help you cook this week?
With squeaks and hugs,
Joy the Mouse🐭