Without a doubt, the pandemic has caused many changes to your regular programming, and your cooking workshops are surely no exception. The good news is that you can adapt!
Safe cooking workshops
Hygiene and food safety measures have always been essential in the kitchen and are part of the knowledge you can share with students. To get started, here are a few tips to optimize your planning and some simple rules to explain to children to make your cooking workshop a success. In addition to these measures, the following strategies will allow you to carry out activities even more safely:
- Opt for individual recipes: Each child makes their own recipe from A to Z.
- Give each child their own space and supplies: Choose simple recipes that require little handling and few supplies.
- Prepare and distribute food before students arrive.
- Organize the room in such a way as to respect physical distancing guidelines: Use arrows on the ground to direct movements.
Are you familiar with the handbook A Recipe for Successful Cooking Workshops? It contains information and a variety of tools that make it easier to conduct these activities. Download or order it free of charge!
A new way to develop cooking skills
Did you know that you can promote the development of cooking skills without handling food? For instance, using pictures of foods or illustrations of cooking techniques is a great way for children to learn. What’s more, this method helps kids get involved the next time they take part in a cooking workshop or make a recipe at home.
Looking for a new way to discuss nutrition? Check out our article on a multitude of activities to talk about food with your students.
Educating children about healthy eating together
Parents, teachers and educators at daycares can all contribute to the development of children’s cooking skills, knowledge and abilities. All efforts, no matter how small, will have a big impact! And remember: virtually any type of activity can be related to healthy eating. With that in mind, consider complementary activities, where some learning started at school is completed at home, such as by cooking together as a family.
Be sure to visit our website Cuisinonsenfamille.ca and suggest it to parents. It was specifically designed for cooking together as a family!
Additional resources
Guide d’adaptation : les ateliers culinaires en période de COVID-19 [Adaptation guide: Cooking workshops during COVID-19] presented by Les Ateliers cinq épices.
References
Briggs, M., Safaii, S., Beall, D.-L., American Dietetic Association, Society for Nutrition Education et American School Food Service Association (2003). Position of the American Dietetic Association, Society for Nutrition Education, and American School Food Service Association—Nutrition services: An essential component of comprehensive school health programs. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 103, no 4, p. 505–514.
Les Ateliers cinq épices (2020). Guide d’adaptation : les ateliers culinaires en période de COVID-19. Récupéré le 26 février 2021, de https://cinqepices.org/storage/media/175/storages/0/Guide_adaptation_ateliers_culinaires_covid19_a5e.pdf
Gouvernement du Québec (2021). Alimentation. Activités culinaires avec les enfants. Récupéré le 31 mars 2021, de https://www.quebec.ca/sante/alimentation/salubrite-des-aliments/activites-culinaires-enfants/planifier-atelier-culinaire
