James loves it when we have a baking session. Whether it is making muffins or cupcakes, a tray bake of brownies, or some colourful rainbow cookies, James enjoys the whole experience. But baking isn’t just about making delicious cakes (although that is very important!) here are a few things we have learned along the way too.
Patience: It takes a little while to get everything together; James has to learn patience while this is done. He also has to be patient at the end when the cakes are baking, and again for them to cool down enough to eat!
Weighing and measuring: We need to measure out and weigh the ingredients; sometimes we ‘cheat’ and use cake mix, but we still need to measure out the butter, milk or water, and eggs.
Proprioception: James needs to use just the right about of force to lift the various packets and jugs of ingredients, and tip them carefully into the mixing bowl. He also needs to be careful when using the electric whisk to keep it in the mixing bowl!
Focus and concentration: All of the steps required to make some chocolate cup cakes takes focus and concentration, otherwise the cakes wouldn’t come together. The ingredients have to be added in the right order, it’s no good trying to mix the cake batter if the butter hasn’t been added yet!
Counting: James carefully places the cupcake cases in the right places on the baking tray (proprioception again!). As he does so, there is a great opportunity for him to practice his counting, up to 12.
Sensory learning: James uses plenty of his senses while baking. As well as looking at what he is doing (visual), he is waiting for verbal prompts from me (auditory), he is picking up the various items to mix together (touch), enjoying the wonderful aroma of the cake as it comes together (smell) and gets to lick the spoon when we are finished (taste). He also is using his proprioception (see above) and interoception is telling him that he is now hungry! Interoception also tells him that the oven is hot, so Dad has to do that bit!
Social/relational learning: Baking is more fun when you do it together! As we make cakes, we also spend important time together, making good memories that will last a lifetime.
And at the end of all of this learning, we get a wonderful reward! Lovely, warm, chocolate cup cakes to eat!
Why don’t you have some yummy fun baking together soon!
Enjoy!
Mark and James
All content © Mark Arnold / The Additional Needs Blogfather
See also: The Additional Needs Bakefather – https://theadditionalneedsbakefather.com
