ABSTRACT
Within all the settings, it soon became very clear that cooking provision actively promotes and encourages the Characteristics of Effective Learning. The Characteristics of Effective Learning look at how children learn and consider how children engage with their environment and other people. Development Matters (2012) states that these Characteristics “underpin learning and development across all areas and support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner.” These Characteristics are:
Playing and exploring
Active learning
Creating and thinking critically
In this chapter I will explore the Characteristics of Effective Learning and how they might be seen in cooking and food preparation. Although these Characteristics are identified within the EYFS, they can be applied to children within Key Stage One. It is still important to look at how children learn as well as what they are learning. If we set up a stimulating, purposeful and engaging learning environment then the children will have the chance to show us the skilled and motivated learners they are.