The children in School-age 2 worked together to bake delightful fall pumpkin cookies. Throughout this hands-on experience, they developed a variety of skills that support their overall cognitive growth. Baking offers rich learning opportunities—children strengthen their mathematical skills by following step-by-step directions and measuring ingredients, and they expand their language development as they learn new baking terms and utensil names.
This activity also incorporated elements of science, as the children observed how ingredients change when mixed and baked. Their senses were fully engaged—sight, touch, taste, and smell all played important roles in the experience.
A key feature of the recipe was the use of classic fall spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The children had fun identifying each one by its distinctive scent. While they thoroughly enjoyed measuring and mixing the ingredients, the highlight of the day came when the cookies emerged from the oven, filling the room with the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin!
