Children Love The Kitchen

The little things we teach them daily creates a ‘quick study’ in language, vocabulary, math, and focus.

Every day in our Montessori preschool, we teach students about the kitchen in a systematic and methodical way–just proving that children love the kitchen! 

Whether we are spreading, slicing or juicing, we set-up the steps for these tasks the same way daily and ensure the children are part of each step. And while we’re doing that, we’re also focusing on children and nutrition.

We start by getting a tray. Then, we choose the correct utensils. We go to the refrigerator and have them choose from ‘kid-friendly’ containers inside. We take the containers to the table.

At this time, we wash our hands and wear an apron. Now, we’re ready for work.

Today, we’re preparing pita and hummus. We set out and cut the pita and then spread the hummus over the bread. We leave the snack on the table for all to enjoy.

Students then clean up and wash the utensils. 

Following that task, we thank the preparers, eat the snack and talk about it.

Surely, that was an easy task. So, what exactly did our children learn?

First, this exercise teaches them how to take care of themselves—feeding themselves and learning the rules of food. We have taught them independence!

Next, we’ve helped the children focus, concentrate, use forethought and improve their dexterity and hand-eye coordination. They’ve refined an entire set of skills!

Then, we’ve created a cultural connection to family and community, such as:

• Food has many different tastes 
• Food is different in different places and, 
• How food unites all types of people. 

Seeing food, touching it and eating it also creates a connection and sensory immersion.

Importantly, we develop language specifics. No longer is ‘pita’ just called ‘bread’ or a bagel called bread. This bread has a specific name. 

We also teach that people across the world share many things in common; 

but, they also have different tastes and preferences based on their geography and upbringing.

As a parent, it’s a joy watching our primary aged children learn by trying new things and incorporating them into their rapidly growing world. 

Snack time is one of the core differences between a Montessori preschool and a regular preschool. How? We employ teachers rather than caretakers. With our desire to focus on children and nutrition together, we help create the Montessori difference. 

La Jolla Montessori School is located at 8745 La Jolla Scenic Drive North, just down the street from the main UCSD campus.

Book a tour of our school today and meet our school’s director, Kelly McFarland, M.Ed., will be happy to provide guidance to you and your family.