What are the Different Types of Cooking Classes for Kids?

Cooking classes for kids are a fun way to teach kids how to make food, use kitchen utensils and appliances and serve food. These classes also might teach them basic math, science and reading. Learning safety, hygiene, the basics of a kitchen, how to measure properly, cooking techniques and plating are all things that might be covered in cooking classes for kids. These classes are generally broken down by skill level ranging from beginner to intermediate to advanced.

A beginning cooking class might focus on teaching children about safety and hygiene in the kitchen. They might learn how to properly wash their hands, cooking utensils and work space; how to be safe while using knives and other sharp objects; and how to prevent and stop kitchen fires. These are very important steps for little chefs and will serve as a great foundation to every type of cooking that they will learn.

Simple recipes also might be the focus of a beginning cooking class. These might be beverages, snacks or simple lunches and dinners. Smoothies, microwave quesadillas, salads and sandwiches are all great beginning foods. These get children comfortable and familiar with the kitchen and cooking utensils without having to use many sharp or hot objects.

Advanced recipes and preparation techniques might be covered in intermediate cooking classes for kids. Pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken dishes and cakes all make for fun cooking. Kids generally love these types of foods, and making them helps the children become more at ease working with sharp and hot objects in the kitchen.

An advanced cooking class for kids might teach children various types of cooking techniques, such as how to roast, boil, bake and fry. Many recipes involve one or more of these techniques. Knowing how to execute them properly gives children a great foundation to cook for the rest of their lives.

Another item that might be covered in an advanced cooking class for kids is plating. It often is said that people first eat with their eyes, so creating a plate of food that looks appealing is a wonderful skill to have. Cooking classes for kids might teach children how to plate a meal in a way that is pleasing to the eye. These tips are particularly helpful when preparing a special meal.

Each class level might build on what was learned in a previous level. They also can build on what the child knows from his or her own personal experience. Cooking classes for kids might not be specifically labeled as "beginner," "intermediate" or "advanced," but what is covered generally will fall into one of these categories.