Maw Broon's Cooking with Bairns: Recipes and Basics to Help Kids
The Broons Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
'Maw Broon's Cooking with Bairns' is a cookbook authored by Catherine Brown that aims to introduce children to the basics of cooking through 46 recipes. It is divided into six sections, each focusing on different types of dishes such as snacks, soups, main courses, and desserts. The recipes are presented in simple steps with illustrations and include sections on necessary ingredients and preparations. The book also includes a section on basic cooking techniques with separate illustrated instructions. Catherine Brown emphasizes the importance of teaching foundational cookery skills to children and encourages perseverance in the face of failure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite recipe in the book and why?
How do you think cooking together helps families become closer?
What ingredients would you like to try using in your own recipe creation?
If you could invent a dish for our family, what would it be and what would you name it?
How do you feel when you help in the kitchen and see everyone enjoying the food?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and preferences by asking about their favorite foods and recipes from the book. Listen actively to their ideas and build on them to create a sense of collaboration. You might even plan a cooking day based on their favorite recipe from the book to enhance practical learning and make the discussion come alive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book encourages children to cook together with family members, demonstrating the importance of working as a team.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate and contribute in group settings, enhancing their ability to work well with others in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Recipes require precise steps and measurements, teaching children the significance of following instructions carefully.
Real-World Application: This skill is transferable to academic settings, such as following directions in school assignments or building sets, and it fosters discipline and attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through traditional Scottish recipes, children gain exposure to cultural cuisine, promoting an appreciation for culinary diversity.
Real-World Application: Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity can enhance social interactions and global awareness in an increasingly interconnected world.
Example Lesson: Nutritional Knowledge
Explanation: The book provides recipes that incorporate various food groups, showing children how a balanced diet is important.
Real-World Application: Kids can make healthier food choices and understand the role of nutrition in maintaining good health, aiding in their physical and cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Cooking
Explanation: Encourages children to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, fostering creativity.
Real-World Application: Enhances problem-solving and creative thinking skills, which can be applied in artistic, academic, and everyday scenarios.