Our table was set-up for pretend pizza making activity-with round cardboards provided for the pizza base, and colorful felt pieces shaped like cheese, olives, peppers, mushrooms, pineapples and tomatoes. Using spinner roulettes, the children excitedly determined how many toppings
to add. Lucas B. and Mila carefully counting and placing each topping on their pretend pizzas.
Through this engaging pretend play activity, the children practiced counting, number recognition and fine motor skills as they carefully placed toppings on their pizzas. Using the spinner roulettes, encouraged decision making, problem solving and turn-taking.
The pretend pizza making experience extended into real-life cooking as the children made their own pizza using English muffins as a dough. They selected their favourite toppings from cheese, peppers, olives and pineapples, building their personalized creations. Paisley C carefully spread the pizza sauce, while Mila and Lucas B. carefully sliced the peppers by using kids-safe plastic knives. Zara focused on placing the sliced peppers on her dough and the rest of the children chose to fill up toppings of their liking.
I wonder if the children can explore more simple cooking experiences that allow them to practice cutting, measuring and following steps in recipes. Or we can explore foods from different cultures to support their curiosity and understanding of diversity in what we eat.
