When I observed my husband Bill make whimsical and healthy food with our granddaughter (at 5-years old), it was a powerful reminder of the importance of having fun while learning. The research in neuroscience shows that one’s emotional state has an impact on learning and seeing it in action makes the research come alive. We all learn better in a joyful atmosphere. It’s entertaining and educational to create a fun and nutritious meal or snack with a child. It expands the child’s appreciation for good healthy food while also developing essential cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills. Best of all, the emotionally satisfying activity will consolidate the learning into memory.
Learning about nutrition
In the midst of preparing some imaginary creature, you might mention that the healthy foods you are shaping are good for your body. A simple explanation of the value of the food group, such as “milk and cheese build strong bones and help us move our muscles.” Or, “fruits and vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals that help us have strong bones and blood and keep our eyes and skin healthy.” Even a three-year-old can understand and appreciate the importance of eating well.
Developing cognitive skills
The concept of seeing fun images in the food develops and supports symbolic thinking. Oatmeal can be shaped to look like a bird. It is a symbolic representation of a bird and it is still oatmeal — an early literacy skill that is absorbed in an informal way. Making images together is a perfect time to introduce new words and develop organizational skills.
Of course, one of the first things to learn is when and where it is okay to play with food. Bill started making funny foods for our granddaughter when she was about 18 months old. She understood and enjoyed the concept of a fruit becoming a person. By the age of three Daniela was telling Bill what she wanted, and then gradually she helped make it. Her eye-hand coordination was refined and she was able to control her muscles and use a fork and spoon comfortably. At five she created her own delicious and wacky food plates.
If they make it they’ll try it
Cut up fruits and cheeses are good ingredients for making amusing snacks that kids will enjoy eating. Kids are more willing to try new foods if they are involved in preparing them. Young children are already establishing food preferences and it’s the perfect time to develop the taste for nutritious snacks and meals. Good eating habits don’t just happen —they are taught.
When children’s have the dexterity to make their own wacky food plates let them make their own food and let their imaginations loose.
The kids don’t even realize how much they are learning and storing in memory from this experience.