Go on, play with your food!

August 13, 2009

Beginning August 16, Loblaw Cooking Schools, in collaboration with Let’s Talk Science, is offering a series of science-based “Little Hands” cooking classes for three to five year olds at select Superstores across Ontario.

“The program, based on our Wings of Discovery® early learning resources, is designed to expose young children to basic science principles and help them understand the different food groups within a grocery store by involving cooking elements to keep them engaged and interested,” says Bonnie Schmidt, Let’s Talk Science President and Founder. “This initiative highlights the importance of introducing science to children beginning at a very young age.”

Parents and tots will work together to explore and taste foods, while learning basic scientific concepts through food preparation and mixing ingredients. They will learn fun food facts, how to use cooking equipment, and key scientific terms while picking up other skills, such as observing, collecting and organizing information.

“Children learn best when they are engaged and our cooking schools offer this opportunity,” says Tom Filippou, Executive Chef, Loblaw Cooking School. “The cooking classes allow children to create some of their favourite recipes in a fun-filled atmosphere, while gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between food and science.”

The classes run once a week until September 10 with a new topic and curriculum for each session, during Loblaw's Grown Close to Home™ program, a celebration of produce from Canadian farmers available in-store. Loblaw will provide participants with activity booklets based on the learned curriculum.

“We’re absolutely thrilled Loblaw has developed this program, as the Loblaw Cooking School has an incredible reputation that will reach parents all across the province,” says Schmidt.

For more information, visit www.loblaws.ca or www.superstore.ca

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Curriculum

Watch it Grow: Learn what foods contain seeds and what seeds you cannot eat. Each child will plant a seed to take home with them and watch grow over the course of the 4 weeks. Children will prepare a breakfast bar with sesame and sunflower seeds.

Science of Dissolving: Learn what happens when things dissolve in liquid, along with what dissolves and what doesn't. Children will prepare individual pizzas by making dough and watching the yeast dissolve in water.

Let is rise: How to make things rise with the use of baking powder. Children will bake chocolate chip cookies (with and without baking powder and distinguish the difference).   

All about fruit: What is a fruit and explore the difference between fruits and vegetables - Class and a tour of the produce area. Children will create a tomato and cucumber salad.

For more information about the Wings of Discovery Cooking Classes in your area, please call or visit your local Superstore and ask to speak to the Cooking School Coordinator.

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Locations