Of all the activities you can do to encourage your preschooler’s school readiness and emotional health during early childhood, baking together is one of the most effective. Whether you’re an expert baker or just learning yourself, it’s a project your preschooler will love doing with you.

How Baking Together Helps With Child Development

In early childhood, preschoolers are often excited by everything they learn and love having opportunities to use the skills they’re developing. Baking is one project where they can practice many new abilities. First, having them gather the ingredients and tools is an exercise in planning and listening skills. Working with their hands is also an excellent way to practice hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination, muscle building, control, and spatial perception.

Since baking requires carefully measuring each component, it’s a chance to practice counting. Furthermore, there’s plenty of room in baking for your child to express themselves artistically and explore their preferences. All these skills will come in handy at preschool, where they’ll also develop their math skills, study science, and work on art projects.

Lastly, nothing will give your child a self-esteem boost like being involved in creating something they can enjoy. It’s also important for them to spend quality time with you and see that you’re proud of their work.

How to Encourage Your Preschooler to Bake

There are several great ways to let your preschooler help your baking endeavors, including the following tasks:

• Finding the tool you need

• Adding ingredients after you measure the proper amount

• Counting the number of eggs you crack into a bowl

• Stirring batter

• Rolling or kneading dough

• Cutting cookies

• Choosing flavors

• Selecting colors for frosting or sprinkles

• Squeezing an icing bag

If you’re looking for a preschool center where your little one can continue their early childhood development, start your search off right by reaching out to Pumpkin Preschool. With 30 years of experience, Pumpkin Preschool knows that the love of learning comes from a great beginning. Through gentle teacher guidance, children develop social emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication skills. Their specialized preschool curriculum ensures children learn to collaborate and problem solve as they move toward school-readiness and independence. Their programs are rich with Art, Dance, Language, Math, Music, Science, Technology, Literacy, and Phonetic awareness. This well rounded curriculum supports children as they build self-confidence with each new accomplishment, guaranteeing their success. Call 1 (800) DAYCARE (329-2273) to book an appointment, or visit their website for additional information on their educational goals.