My newest handout pack, Kitchen Skills Success, is on sale on my favorite site for therapists and parents, Your Therapy Source . It has a long history. I started writing this over 15 years ago, and then lost interest in turning it into a book. Now that YTS sells digital handout packs, its time has come. There are 9 informational handouts that explain how to have a successful kitchen activity or group. Safety is everything in our business, so I include 2 handouts on safety. And the child with significant issues isn’t forgotten. In fact, doing kitchen activities with them could be among the most meaningful and successful task you do! They need basic life skills and learn well with actual tools instead of having to extrapolate from toys to real life.
Not sure how to adapt a recipe or use food preparation to address IEP goals? I have you covered. My handouts not on explain this clearly to clinicians, they explain it to administrators and parents in words that make sense and get results. I include a sheet on the most essential tools for success, because having them could make the difference between tears and triumph. And I made a handout on exactly why you have to make each recipe yourself before trying it with a child. There is no substitute for being prepared, and I have your back!!
My recipes have all be tested in my own kitchen and with my own clients; I took the time to measure and refine some easy recipes to make them even easier and more appealing. But no child should have to eat a food they don’t want to eat. Food preparation skills can happen separately from consumption. It just so happens that many kids who refuse to eat a new food with try the one they made. They are now familiar with the ingredients and curious about the taste. It helps that I included a recipe for mac and cheese, one for quesadillas, and one for chocolate chip cookies. Things that kids are somewhat familiar with or tastes they have tried before.
Grab a copy today while it is still on sale, and start having fun while you teach essential life skills to kids!
