Objective

By the end of this cooking lesson, the student will learn how to make a simple and fun dish, understand basic cooking terms, and gain confidence in the kitchen while enjoying the process of creating something delicious!

Materials and Prep

• A clean workspace (like a table or countertop)
• Ingredients for a simple recipe (e.g., peanut butter, jelly, bread, and a banana)
• A butter knife (for spreading), a plate, and a cutting board
• A measuring cup (if needed for any ingredients)
• Hand soap and a towel for washing hands before and after cooking

Before starting, make sure to wash hands and have all ingredients ready. Discuss with the student about kitchen safety, such as not touching sharp objects without help.

Activities

• Washing Hands:

  Start by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. Explain that clean hands keep us safe while cooking!

• Assemble Ingredients:

  Gather all the ingredients on the table. Talk about each ingredient and what it does in the recipe. For example, "Peanut butter is sticky and yummy!"

• Making the Sandwich:

  Guide the student to spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on another. Then, help them put the two slices together to make a sandwich!

• Banana Slicing:

  With supervision, let the student slice the banana. Talk about how to hold the knife safely and how to cut the banana into small pieces.

• Enjoying the Meal:

  Once the sandwich is made, sit down together to enjoy the meal. Discuss how it tastes and what they liked best about making it!

Talking Points

• "Why do we wash our hands before cooking?"
• "What does peanut butter feel like? Is it sticky or smooth?"
• "Can you tell me what happens when we mix peanut butter and jelly?"
• "How do we keep our fingers safe while using a knife?"
• "What do you think is the best part of making your own food?"
• "How does it feel to eat something you made by yourself?"