Last year for Halloween, we
talked about learning basic geometrical shapes with some spooky fun here.
This time around, let’s bake some scrumptious pumpkin chip cookies on the
occasion and learn about the basics of multiplication alongside.
The recipe is pretty simple. I haven’t
mentioned the proportions of each ingredient here since most of us are pretty familiar
with the basics of baking cookies and this one is no different. Preheat oven to
about 200 degrees C. Have your baking tray greased and ready while you whisk
together sugar, vegetable oil, milk, pumpkin, eggs and vanilla extract together
in a large bowl. In another, mix flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and
cinnamon. Add the mixture from the first bowl to the second, stirring gently
all the while. A generous addition of chocolate chips comes next. Scoop out
spoonfuls onto the baking tray compartments and bake for 10-15 minutes until
they turn into a yummy golden brown.
Now for the math. If it’s a
preschooler, say each number out loud when you scoop out the spoonfuls onto the
tray and let her repeat after you. Once done, allow your kid to count how many
of them are in a row (since it’ll be a small number, they should be able to do
it with a little bit of help). For slightly older kids, ask them to estimate
how many cookies there are altogether on the baking tray without actually
counting them out (multiplication tables – say, 4 rows and 5 columns). If you
wish to introduce the concept of fractions to them, break a ready cookie into
half and then subsequently into four quarters and demonstrate it to them,
making sure you have a piece of paper and pencil handy alongside to write and
explain how fractions work.
The goal is to make it a fun task
and get their basics right in the process. Whether their answers turn out to be
right or wrong, it’s a win-win situation all along since everyone is going to
have yummy cookies to eat at the end! Happy Halloween!
