- By Isaac
- Van Wesep
Be Our Chef: Improve Your Child’s Working Memory and Self Control in the Kitchen
This article is part of our weekly series Executive Function Tips for Families.
What is Executive Function?
Executive function (EF) refers to a set of mental skills that includes working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. These skills are essential for planning, focusing, and managing multiple tasks. By building EF skills early, we set children up for long-term learning success. Read on to find out how this game supports EF skill development.
Creating Memories and Culinary Masterpieces with Executive Function
Are you looking for a fun way to work on following directions and practicing patience with your child? Then let’s stir up some fun! Today, we’ll be creating some memories and culinary masterpieces as we expand self-control and working memory skills while we mix, stir, and pour in the kitchen!
This Activity Builds the Following EF Skills:
- Working memory: Chefs must remember the order of the ingredients when adding to the recipe.
- Inhibitory Control: Chefs must practice patience while waiting for the next step of the recipe.
What You’ll Need
- Time: 10-15 minutes, depending on the recipe
- Space: You can play this game in the kitchen or at the dining table!
- Materials:
- Assorted cooking materials (bowls, pans, measuring cups, etc.)
- A recipe of choice
- Ingredients for your recipe
- Pen and paper
Ready To Cook? Chef Levels and Step-by-Step Instructions:
This activity is great for both individuals and small groups. Choose the best starting level based on your child’s age. If a level seems too easy or difficult, then adjust as needed. You can move up or down a level at any time! Check out Executive Function Stages and Ages for more information on your child’s cognitive development.
Chef Level 1 – Let’s Do Some Pouring and Stirring! (2-3 years)
- Choose a recipe
- Measure out the ingredients beforehand and place them in separate containers for easy distribution.
- Explain to your child:
- “Today I need your help! We are going to make [recipe name] together. We’re going to take turns adding things to this big bowl and stirring them together! First, I need you to pour this into the big bowl.”
- Repeat as needed until all of the ingredients are combined according to the recipe.
- Add another challenge by asking your child to stir the ingredients a certain number of times or ask your child to switch hands or directions when they are stirring.
Chef Level 2 – Let’s Measure! (3-4 years)
- Choose a short and simple recipe.
- Have the ingredients, measuring spoons, and cups set out where you will be working.
- Tell your child:
- “Today, I need your help! We are going to make [recipe name] together. The first thing we need to do is add (the first ingredient your recipe calls for) to this big bowl. This measuring cup lets us know when we have the right amount of the ingredient. Can you measure out the first ingredient and add it to the bowl?”
- Continue to read the instructions aloud and have your child measure out each ingredient.
Chef Level 3 – Let’s Follow the Recipe! (4-5 years)
- Have the ingredients, measuring spoons, and cups set out where you will be working.
- Write out the recipe in numbered steps that your child will be able to follow.
- Tell your child:
- “Today I need your help! We are going to make [recipe name] together. This recipe will tell us the directions we need to follow so that our [recipe name] turns out the way we want it to! They are in order so that we know what to do first.”
- Repeat for each step of the recipe’s instructions.
- If your child can read, let them read the recipe. If your child does not know what a tablespoon is, help them identify the equipment that they need.
Chef Level 4 – You are the Head Chef! (5+ years)
- Let your child choose a recipe that they can easily read with few ingredients.
- Help your child gather the needed ingredients and materials.
- Tell your child:
- “Today you are the Head Chef and I am your assistant! I will help you when you tell me that you need help. What is the first step?
- Encourage your child to ask for assistance when needed.
Talk & Reflect
As you are cooking, ask your child questions like:
- “Was it easy or hard to measure the ingredients?”
- “How did you remember what ingredient came next?”
- “What was your favorite part of making the [recipe name]?”
Asking these questions will help them reflect on how they felt and what they thought about during the game. This helps them improve their self-awareness and confidence when decision-making.
Additional Ideas & Resources
- Offer young children a choice of different recipes from photos in a cookbook or on the internet.
- Here is a simple recipe for playdough that might be a great place to start.
- Check out Back to School for more activities on inhibitory control and working memory.
