01/11/2024
Tips and Strategies for Teaching Life Skills - Cooking
These tips can be applied to any type of learning, not just cooking:
•Break tasks into smaller steps and simplify the process: Make activities more manageable by dividing them into simple parts. If your child can't cook an entire meal, they may still be able to do some steps such as stir a bowl or pour ingredients
•Choose the right time and stay calm: Avoid teaching when you're in a hurry. We all struggle when under pressure and children are no different. They too struggle under pressure and need time to process and practice
•Set realistic goals: Don’t expect too much. A young child might not make a sandwich alone, but they can help gather ingredients. They can then be supported with an adult next to them
•Embrace imperfection: Be okay with less-than-perfect results. The food may not look or taste exactly right, and that's part of the learning process
•Plan ahead and minimise distractions: Consider any sensory, motor, or logistical challenges before starting. Reducing background noise or sensory input to help your child concentrate. This will also help you prepare for potential problems
•Use chaining techniques:
-Backward chaining: You do most of the task, then let the learner complete the final step for a sense of accomplishment
-Forward chaining: Let the learner start the task, and then step in before they get frustrated. This helps build confidence in handling the first steps
•Encourage independence: Let the learner try things on their own. Step in only when they become frustrated, and avoid fixing mistakes too quickly so they can learn to solve problems
•Promote small successes: Give the learner opportunities to handle simple tasks independently. This builds their confidence and skills
These strategies aim to create a supportive and pressure-free learning environment where learners can develop confidence and independence over time. But the most important thing is to have FUN!!
