Little chefs cook up big fun in UCS summer preschool program

Some of the littlest chefs in the Utica Community Schools summer camps are cooking up some of the biggest surprises.

Nearly 20 preschool students kicked off their summer with "Creative Cooking Week" in the districtwide summer preschool program at Community Education Center at Walsh.

Not only did the mini chefs roll up their sleeves to make treats for their families, they enjoyed some lessons to get them ready for kindergarten.

"Cooking can inspire a child's curiosity and thinking," said teacher Kathy Andersen. "The child develops problem-solving skills through experimentation when participating in cooking activities. Children learn math skills along with science, cause and effect."

Students this week made snowballs, chocolate fridge cake, no bake banana pudding, and cinnamon rolls.

Along the way they also learned the rules of cooking - such as following a recipe, washing their hands and working together.

"It's fun," said preschool student Molly Rayne. "I like to put the bananas in and I like to wash my hands before and after cooking."

The preschool program at Walsh is continuing through the week of July 16. The camps have a different theme each week, including Dinosaurs, Picasso in Preschool and Blast into Space.

For more information, call (586) 797-6900 or visit http://www.ucscommunityeducation.com/