Celebrating International Cookie Day on the 4th December, in early childhood settings can be a delightful and educational experience for children. Here are some engaging ideas that can be implemented into the curriculum for children.
About International Cookie Day
December 4th International Cookie Day, which attracts the attention of cookie lovers and is wondered by those who hear about this day for the first time, is a special day celebrated every year. This day, which spreads cookie flavors and local cookie culture across countries, has become the center of attention of people of all ages.
Activities and Experiences
Baking Activity
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Hands-On Baking: Involve the children in a simple cookie baking activity. They can help with mixing ingredients, cutting out shapes, and decorating the cookies.
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Safety First: Ensure all safety measures are in place, such as using child-friendly utensils and supervising closely.
Story Time
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Cookie-Themed Books: Read books about cookies, such as "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff or "The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?" by Mo Willems. This can be a fun way to incorporate literacy into the celebration.
Art and Crafts
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Cookie Decorating: Provide plain cookies and various decorations like icing, sprinkles, and edible markers for the children to decorate their own cookies.
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Craft Projects: Create cookie-themed crafts, such as making paper cookies or designing cookie jars.
Math and Science
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Measuring Ingredients: Use the baking activity to teach basic math skills, such as measuring ingredients and counting cookies.
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Science Exploration: Discuss the science behind baking, such as how heat changes the dough into cookies.
Cultural Exploration
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International Cookies: Introduce cookies from different cultures, such as Italian biscotti, Mexican polvorones, or Indian nankhatai. This can be a great way to teach children about diversity and global traditions.
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Family Recipes: Invite families to share their favorite cookie recipes and stories behind them.
Games and Activities
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Cookie Hunt: Organize a cookie scavenger hunt where children search for hidden cookie-shaped items around the classroom.
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Cookie Counting: Set up a cookie counting station with pretend cookies to practice counting and sorting.
Healthy Alternatives
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Nutritious Cookies: Incorporate healthy cookie recipes that use ingredients like oats, fruits, and nuts to promote healthy eating habits.
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Discussion on Nutrition: Talk about the importance of balanced eating and how cookies can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
By incorporating these activities, you can create a fun and educational International Cookie Day that children will enjoy and remember.
Linking EYLF Outcomes To International Cookie Day
Linking the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to International Cookie Day can be a fun and educational experience for preschoolers. Here are some ideas:
Learning Outcomes
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Children have a strong sense of identity:
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Activity: Have children decorate cookies with their names or initials. This helps them recognize and take pride in their identity.
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Children are connected with and contribute to their world:
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Activity: Discuss the origins of cookies and how different cultures have their own unique recipes. This can foster a sense of global awareness and appreciation for diversity.
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Children have a strong sense of wellbeing:
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Activity: Baking cookies can be a sensory-rich experience that promotes fine motor skills and coordination. It also encourages healthy eating habits when discussing ingredients and nutrition.
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Children are confident and involved learners:
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Activity: Involve children in measuring and mixing ingredients. This hands-on activity supports mathematical concepts like counting, measuring, and following sequences.
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Children are effective communicators:
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Activity: Encourage children to share their cookie recipes or stories about baking with their families. This can enhance their language and communication skills.
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By integrating these activities into your EYLF curriculum, you can create a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience for children while celebrating International Cookie Day.
References:
National Cookie Day, Days Of The Year
International Cookie Day, Oetker
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