Landmark Preschool, in existence for over 35 years, grew from the belief that young children benefit from a joyful introduction to learning. Known for an innovative, hands-on curriculum that teaches introductory reading, math and science skills, the Landmark program also includes cooking activities to help children learn essential life skills.
“Cooking is a wonderful way to teach children a variety of important skills,” comments Landmark Ridgefield Director, Tara Simeonidis. “All kinds of learning happens in our kitchen: math and measuring (including Venn diagrams of who likes what vegetables!), science/simple food chemistry, following directions, creativity and responsibility (like cleaning up). We teach our students how important it is to nourish themselves, and they learn the process from plant to kitchen, as well as nutrition and the enjoyment and satisfaction you receive from eating the good things you make with your own hands. What better ways for our youngest students to learn their ABCs than by cooking Apple muffins, Banana Bread and Cinnamon Cookies?”
Landmark teachers mention that perhaps the most important benefit of classroom cooking activities is the confidence their students build. “Our students feel so much pride when they help create a snack the entire class can enjoy,” states a teacher of four-year-old students. “Many view cooking as something only adults can do, and they feel such accomplishment when serving their delicious treat!”
All three Landmark Preschool campuses (Redding, Ridgefield and Westport) feature designated cooking areas in their schools.
Families have an opportunity to see the new Kitchen Lab at the Landmark Ridgefield campus (located only 1 mile from the New York border) on Saturday, February 2 from 9:00am – 11:00am. The event, created for preschool students aged one to five, is themed “Teddy Bear Care,” and invites children to bring their special teddy bear to school to cook a snack for their bear, read a book to their bear, and have their bear’s health checked by our “nurse.” Interested families should contact Julie Crane at 203.894.1800 x112 or jcrane@ridgefieldacademy.org with any questions.
For more information, visit www.landmarkpreschool.org.
