ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how cooking and snack areas provide opportunities for children to learn across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The children work together to develop their personal, social and emotional skills, language is a fundamental element and the area is very hands on, constantly developing their physical skills in different ways. Cooking and snack areas are naturally sociable therefore promoting positive relationships. It is clear to see children enjoying each other’s company when cooking. The cooking area gives children the opportunity to put into practise the health and self-care aspect of physical development. “The cooking area has developed the confidence of the children. It gave another area where children could excel in a skill set and develop different skills.” The children will have the chance to explore a variety of hand, arm, elbow and shoulder movements which help to develop fine and gross motor skills.
