Baking

Science

• The 4-year-old learned about measuring and quantities while following the recipe and measuring ingredients.
• Observation skills were enhanced as the child observed changes in the dough or batter during the baking process – such as the dough rising or the batter changing color.
• The child learned about chemical reactions when witnessing the dough rise due to the action of yeast or baking powder.
• By recognizing the ingredients that were transformed during the baking process, the child gained an understanding of physical and chemical changes.

For continued development, encourage the child to experiment with different ingredients and recipes to further explore the science of baking. This could involve discussing the effects of different temperatures and ingredients on the final product.

Book Recommendations

• The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri: A children's book that introduces the concept of measurement and quantities through a delightful story about a busy squirrel gathering its treats.
• Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise: This book encourages observation skills as it follows a little girl and her siblings as they bake cookies with their grandmother.