They can experiment with a variety of colors, shapes, and designs. For them, the process of creating something is much more important than the appearance of the finished product. Viewing the creations of their peers encourages them to begin to value and appreciate differences. Creating something instills in children a sense of confidence and pride. This is a very important learning activity in our classroom.
Children learn to make choices, to eat with a group, and to taste new foods.
They practice good hygiene by washing hands before eating and as they clean up afterwards. Talking about food choices and stressing habits that are healthy and safe is a primary concern. This activity is also a wonderful platform for social interactions. Teachers sit with the children and engage them in pleasant conversation, making everyone feel important and part of the group. First, they are not necessarily developmentally appropriate and second, a child left to work alone at a computer can become isolated and fail to develop social skills.