Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is the big day - the day for cooking a turkey and various side dishes...  It is also a time for family, friends and memory building.  Take this wonderful day of thanks to add math to your cooking and get the kids to help!

Here are a few tips:
  1. Read the recipes together.  Talk about those fractional parts, and have your child use the appropriate measuring cups or spoons.
  2. Think about quantity...  do you need to double a recipe?  Have your child help and talk through how you do it.
  3. Set the table.  This is always a great task for little ones to do or help with.  It involves counting, and following a pattern.
  4. Cooking Time.  Just thinking through cooking time is a great math task.  Have your child set the timer.  Talk about how long something needs to cook.  When you are working on the turkey, how many minutes per pound does it need to bake?  How much does the turkey weigh?  Have your child help with cooking time.
Take time to enjoy the day!  Don't forget that photo opp to add to your photo album - your children helping in the kitchen.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.