Take risk together
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
I'm sure that cooking activities are an integral part of learning through play in all early years settings. In common with everything else on offer within a session, they need to be centred round giving children a myriad of sensory experiences. So, imagine my disappointment while reading the Fruit Ice activity in the pull-out centre-spread ('World of ice', 20 November) to note that only two of the seven stages were identified as 'together', as opposed to 'adult'.
So, imagine my disappointment while reading the Fruit Ice activity in the pull-out centre-spread ('World of ice', 20 November) to note that only two of the seven stages were identified as 'together', as opposed to 'adult'.
So many missed opportunities for children to be involved in paring, using peelers, corers and scissors; seeing science in action through cause and effect, and states of change; making judgements about safety; and organising, sequencing and problem solving.
I am fully aware of the importance of health and safety, but I am also fully aware of the innovative and creative ways that practitioners think. I would suggest that children could be involved in all activities. Safe risk-taking is part of the process.
Messages must be consistent. The 'Parent's Guide' series is excellent.
Nursery World is widely read and influences practice in many settings.
Vicky Fowkes Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire