Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Start by talking with the child about their favourite foods or snacks. Ask them why they like those foods and what ingredients they think are used to make them.
Step 2Together, decide on a simple recipe that the child would like to write. Examples could include a sandwich, smoothie, or a basic cookie recipe.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Introduce the child to different measurement devices and how to use them. E.g. measuring cups, spoons, jugs and scales. Depending on their age/ability and the equipment you have, you might like to point out the labels that show the millilitres.
Step 2Encourage the child to brainstorm the ingredients needed for the recipe while you write down their answers. Encourage them to list each ingredient and specify the amount using measurement terms like cups, teaspoons or grams. To determine the number of grams, you can help them weigh amounts (e.g. three slices of ham) and read the numbers to write down. When it comes to assigning amounts, you may need to assist younger children to identify suitable quantities. Alternatively, you could encourage them to suggest an amount, then show them what it looks like to decide for themselves whether it’s suitable.
Step 3Once you have written down the ingredients list, explain that the next step is to write down some instructions that would help a person make the recipe (also known as the method). Depending on whether you have the ingredients on hand, you could assist the child to make the meal so they can identify the steps in real time. Alternatively, you could discuss all the steps required then test them out later.
Step 4After creating the meal or snack, ask the child to taste it and suggest any changes that need to be made to the recipe. Ask, ‘Does it need more or less of any ingredient?’. To wrap up the activity, talk about the importance of accurate measurements in cooking and how it affects the taste and texture of the food.
Showcase
Make
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Extend the activity by creating a recipe booklet with the child. Include the recipe they wrote and others they might want to try in the future. Encourage them to decorate the booklet with drawings or pictures related to the recipes.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Discuss
Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what the child has learned.
Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.
Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.
Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what was learned during the initial activity.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.