J really likes to help me cook and loves playing in the kitchen with me. So, after seeing this post from Play Create Explore, I knew that I needed to set up a pretend play activity for J using real ingredients from the kitchen.
I loaded up my muffin tin with spices, kidney beans, dyed rice, bread crumbs, pasta, and flour. I also sat out a banana, three glass bowls, and mixing spoons.
J had a great time measuring and mixing all the ingredients together.
One of his concoctions.
This was such a fun sensory activity that is great for his imagination. I’m tempted to set something like this up on a regular basis while I’m cooking dinner.
Why did you include a banana? Just so he could have something real to eat? I ask because I think if I did this my son would just want to dip the banana in the other stuff and eat it – okay for the spices but not the rice and beans! J was good about not trying to eat it all?
I included it just because I saw it and thought it couldn’t hurt to add it. He didn’t really play with it though. J isn’t really mouthing things anymore and didn’t try tasting any of the ingredients. I think he was too interested in scooping and mixing.
I’ve been wanting to do this with my little guy, too! It looks like J had a lot of fun with it. I love the “ingredients” that you added to the activity! My little man is such a foodie that I’ll have to find things he won’t just eat! These would probably work for him! :)Thanks for sharing!
Fun, fun, fun! I have given mine crushed up crackers to mix around before, but never a bunch of different things. Love it!
This is a great idea! My kids love cooking and being in the kicthen so I think they would love this. Vicky from http://www.messforless.net
I love how you had the sense to put a mat under his ‘play’, something I always seem to forget!
This is so cool! I know my Priscilla would just love to do this. I’d be so afraid she actually try to eat some of it, though… Yuck! haha!
Amanda this is a fantastic idea! My little one would love this. I’m definitely going to give it a try as a game for him to play whil I’m cooking dinner. Thanks for sharing!