Recently, ELC Chinese Language Educators, Caili Yao and Yvone Yau, provided a hands-on cooking experience for our youngest learners during Chinese language group time. The children engaged in preparing food while promoting healthy eating habits, fostering creative expression, and enhancing their Chinese language learning.
The experience was planned to align closely with the goals and objectives of the Munch and Move Program, a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children from birth to 5 years. The children were supported to make healthy food choices and develop positive attitudes towards nutritious eating. The children were offered a variety of fresh fruit and made their own fruit tarts, while reinforcing communication and language skills in Chinese.
Throughout the experience, children demonstrated social skills by collaborating with peers to prepare the banana dip, taking turns using the butter knife with precision and care, and sharing resources with their friends. They were also so excited to share their creations with their peers. Some children extended their newfound knowledge from the cooking experience into the afternoon tea session, where they creatively used carrots and cucumbers to make their own vegetable tarts!
The educators will continue to plan for meaningful and engaging intentional play based experiences which encourage children to explore healthy food options whilst building their understanding and expression of the Chinese language.
