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Little Chefs in Action: Making Yoghurt Bark
In our nursery classroom we love turning everyday activities into enriching experiences. Recently our babies donned their chef hats and got hands-on with making yoghurt bark. A simple activity, but packed with so many learning moments. Sensory Exploration From the textures, temperatures, and colours of the different ingredients, this activity provided a feast for the senses.
As little hands dipped into the creamy yoghurt and carefully sprinkled fruit pieces they were exploring their environment in new ways. These sensory-rich moments are crucial for building confidence and curiosity, laying the foundation for more interactions with the world around them.
- Language Development: While stirring, spreading, and sprinkling, we used descriptive words like, “mix,” “cold,” and “smooth.” The children listened intently, soaking up the language of the experience. This kind of conversation not only enriches their vocabulary but also helps them connect language to real-world actions and objects.
- Social Skills and a Sense of Belonging: This shared activity was a wonderful way for the tamariki to be involved in tuakana teina moments. Watching their friends take turns, giggling together when yoghurt splashed, or being part of a group effort helps them feel a sense of community. These small social interactions are the beginnings of learning how to connect with others, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort in their environment.
- Building Independence: As they explored the different ingredients, the babies were taking charge in their own small way. The pride they showed in placing fruit pieces or spreading yoghurt was clear to see. Moments like these help them understand their abilities and develop confidence in making choices. It’s amazing how these simple actions can contribute to their growing sense of independence.
- Exploring Healthy Habits: Engaging the babies in food preparation offers them a first-hand experience with healthy ingredients. They were able to see and touch the fresh fruits, sparking interest in wholesome foods. When children have a positive and hands-on introduction to nutritious eating it sets the stage for healthy habits as they grow.