Recipes Program

Preparation

Step 1: Gather mentor text cookbooks such as Pretend Soup by Molly Katzen or the Star Wars cookbooks.

Step 2: Write out a recipe of your own—something simple to demonstrate the format and components of a typical recipe.

Step 3: Reproduce your recipe to hand out.

Step 4: Make copies of a handout with the following components to help the writers plan their recipes:

• How many people will the recipe serve?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen tools
• What do I need to know to make this recipe? For example, what does it mean to “cream the butter”?

The Workshop

Step 1: Talk about what a recipe is, and ask the writers about favorite foods they like to make. Ask for a volunteer to tell the group how to make a simple dish or sandwich. Model the recipe writing, describing its different parts, and the importance of being accurate in giving written directions.

Step 2: Sometimes it’s helpful to partner writers for this activity. Ask them to talk through the recipe with their partner before getting the words on the paper. Give them markers, crayons, and paper. Help with words or offer suggestions when writers seem stuck for ideas.

Step 3: Give a five-minute warning for clean up. Remind the children that the Writing Boxes will be available at the reference desk. Clean up and put away supplies.

Step 4: If there is time, ask for volunteers to share.