Activity: Learning to Cook

Cooking is an important skill that can help us take care of our families.

Talk with the children about what they eat every day.

• Where does your food come from?
• Who usually prepares it for you?
• What would you do if that person were not able to cook for some reason?

As a group, cook or prepare a simple snack or meal that the children may also be able to make at home. Consider asking them beforehand to bring ingredients. Teach basic food safety, such as washing fruits and vegetables and washing your hands before handling food. Then eat what you make together.

Please adapt activities as necessary to ensure all individuals are able to participate, belong, and contribute. Please adjust the activity accordingly based on food allergies that may be present with members in your congregation.

• For older or more experienced children, teach skills such as using a knife safely, measuring ingredients accurately, and using the oven or stove.
• For larger groups, prepare a meal with more than one course, and have smaller groups work on each dish. Talk about what makes a healthy, balanced meal.
• Service idea: Make and deliver a meal or treat to someone who is sick or in need.

Encourage children to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:

• Why is it good to know how to cook and build self-reliance?
• How can knowing how to cook help you in your family or while you are serving a mission?

• Caring for Our Bodies