Originating Idea: Infants are not always exposed to kitchen items at home. Many parents have locks on all the cupboard doors. This activity allows children to explore various kitchen items. They are free to choose what objects they want to handle.
Materials Needed: Large clear box containing wooden spoons, large bowls, plastic measuring cups, plastic measuring spoons, large utensils, small metal pans with lids, misc. dolls, Grandpa and Me Flipbook. Curriculum Content: KDI 1 Initiative, KDI 2 Problem Solving, KDI 3 Self Help Beginning: Read the story Grandpa and Me. While reading, point out and discuss all of the items they used to make pizza in the kitchen. Introduce the items in the clear box. Invite children to explore them. Middle: Sit with infants as they explore items. Show them how it makes noise when they hit items on the floor and to each other. Pretend feeding the children and allow them to pretend to feed each other and themselves. End: Sing “This is the Way” and model putting the pots, pans, and utensils, away into the clear plastic container. Recall how Grandpa and the child cleaned up their kitchen when they finished their pizza. Extensions and Modifications: To modify this activity, limit the number of items in the box. That would limit the amount of choices. For really young infants, hold a plastic spoon for grasping and mouthing. To extend the activity, add empty food boxes, cans of food, and plastic bowls that fit into each other. Another extension would be to put measuring spoons that have graduated sizes inside of each other. |
Bibliography
Katz, Karen. (2004). Grandpa and Me. Little
Simon Publishing.