Kids are Cooking (and Learning) in the Kitchen Afterschool

Hundreds of Dallas kids are cooking in the kitchen afterschool, and reinforcing their math and English skills in the process.  The Junior League of Dallas' "Kids in the Kitchen" curriculum is a cooking, nutrition and fitness program designed to aide in the fight against child obesity and poor nutrition.  Thanks to the sponsorship of UnitedHealthcare, DASN has been able to implement this curriculum at afterschool sites operated by Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Dallas Community Lighthouse, Wilkinson Center and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

Twice a week the students cook snacks or small meals they can replicate at home. On the other days of the week, the students learn about the food pyramid and food properties.  The students may think they're just learning about food and nutrition, but afterschool program leaders know they are learning so much more.  By reading recipes and ingredients labels and doubling or halving the recipes, students are reinforcing literacy and math concepts learned during the school day.

But don't tell the kids that they're in English or math class.  As far as they're concerned, they're having fun afterschool and enjoying healthful, tasty snacks.  As one student at the Y said, "Some foods I didn't know we could make out of healthy foods".  Visit our photo gallery to view more photos from Kids in the Kitchen sites.