My First Cookbook

Imaginative pretend play is one way to help grow your child’s creativity.  Creative thinking is a skill that can be strengthened and developed. Giving your child opportunities to use imaginative play will help your child use their critical and creative thinking skills.

This activity will help introduce your child to how their favorite foods are prepared and allow them the opportunities to recreate the recipe anytime they want! Your child will also work on writing, drawing, and fine motor skills with the tutorial below.

Materials

Envelopes (1 for each recipe)

Hole Punch

Construction Paper

Scissors

Pencil

Key Ring (2)

Tutorial

Step 1: Pick a favorite recipe

Step 2: Discuss and write the ingredients on the back side of the envelope.

Step 3: Create and cut the ingredients out of construction paper. Keep the objects simple and suggest basic shapes to represent the food.

Step 4: Play! Use the shapes to build or “cook” the recipe. Slide the shapes back in the envelope when your child is finished playing.

Create the Cookbook

Step 1: Stack the envelopes together and punch two holes along the bottom edge of each envelope. Be sure to line up the envelopes so the holes are in the same spot.

Step 2: Use a key ring to attach the envelopes (we only had one keyring so I ended up using a two round paperclips).

Step 3: Add a cover. Download and print our free template or make your own.

The great thing about this easy craft is your child can add more recipes to cookbook at any time. Have each family member or child make their favorite recipe to create a family cookbook.

Parent Tip:  This is a great introduction into cooking and how several ingredients combine together to create a favorite dish. Cooking in the kitchen with your child is one of the best ways to combine science, math, and reading skills along with healthy lifestyle choices. Spending time with your child in the kitchen will help build their self confidence and help strengthen your bond and communication.

Activity Extension: Create the real recipe in the kitchen and have your child help photograph the recipe to add to the cookbook.

We also recreated Lil B’s famous smoothie recipe!

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For more food related activities and awesome posts, be sure to check out our fellow Creative Preschool friends listed below.  Twice a month we bring you fun hands on activities designed for our young learners.

Pretend Play: Smoothie Cafe + Free Printable Recipes | Artsy Momma

Preschool Fruit and Vegetable Sort | I Heart Crafty Things

Making Candy Mosaics | Pink Stripey Socks

| A Little Pinch of Perfect