I used to work with children (ages 5-11) who had difficulty with verbal language. It was hard for them to understand what was said to them and even harder for them to make themselves understood. None of them were able to read or write.
My artistic husband, Bill, who makes funny artistic breakfasts for me, took photos of the sequence of making some funny food meals. The children were able to follow Bill’s step-by-step visual instructions to make hilarious, healthy food. They loved this hands-on activity.
Cutting up oranges or apples gave us an opportunity to look at and discuss shapes and colors. They learned new words when they touched the fruit-soft, squishy and juicy were words they loved learning through their bodies, as any child would. They also learned sequencing words such as first, next and finally.
Every child, even those who are developing language at a rapid rate, enjoys learning to new words while engaged in food play. They are using all their senses-hands, eyes and sense of touch and smell. It is a total immersion in the new word.
Food is a very satisfying way to stimulate conversation and motivate children to pay attention. Children learn new words when they are using their hands and mind to follow a simple recipe Suddenly words that were hard to grasp make sense to them-squeeze, hard, soft, juicy and sticky.
When you and your child are engaged in food play, you’ll be surprised at the new words they will emerge and they will remember and will begin to use them spontaneously.