With cooler weather, it may be time to simmer up some soup this weekend. Pumpkins make good soup and serve up some readiness for kindergarten learning.
- There’s lots of science if you make some from scratch and your little one may be able to help scoop out the pumpkin.
- As you read the recipe you model for your child the importance of reading.
- Ingredients need both counting and measuring, 2 important math skills.
Ready-made soup dishes up learning, too. There are social skills about working together, sharing, and behavior at meal times.
If pumpkin soup doesn’t really appeal in your house, try this book on the menu.
The children’s story, Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper, explores some basic emotions and social skills. Three friends, Duck, Squirrel and Cat make soup together. When a squabble arises, they have to deal with hurt feelings and find a solution. For kids to feel comfortable and eager to learn they need to develop early social skills. New research is showing that social skills, not just academic skills, have an impact on achievement. (Institute for Social Research) Exploring and learning about emotions and interacting positively with others is part of kindergarten readiness.
No matter is your soup is homemade, from a package or a book, would you agree that learning is an ingredient?