Baking a Banana Cake

Week of February 17, 2014

            Last week children explored with various baking materials in the dramatic play area of the classroom.   This week, children continued to take on the role of a baker and contributed to making a real banana cake!  The children were each responsible for cracking an egg to add to the mixture.  Children were surprised by what the inside of the egg looked like and intrigued with how it felt.  Children also chose an ingredient to add to the mixture, which became “their job” in the baking process.  The children enjoyed collaboratively mixing the batter with wooden spoons and whisks.  After children helped put the batter in the pan, we took the cake to the kitchen where Mr. Sean showed the children how to use the oven.  The children loved eating the cake for afternoon snack.

 

The children have explored much with the roles of chefs and bakers.   I would like children to begin exploring roles of other restaurant workers.  Next week, children will be taking on the role of waiters and waitresses.  Whose job is it to bring us our food at a restaurant? Whose job is it to take our order?  Children have already begun to portray the waiter and waitress role as I have observed them bring plates of food to other children and teachers as well as ask them how it tastes.