Kids are more likely to remember material when there is an event or adventure paired with the topic. Learning about world geography can prove tricky in this regard since we aren’t planning to be world travelers during our children’s preschool years. Fortunately, there is plenty of learning that can be done at home and Mother Goose Time provides little glimpses of the wonderful world around us each month through the use of global friends. 

One of our three global friends for the month of February was from Jamaica. She brought with her a recipe using rice and beans with coconut water and spices. The kids and I talked about Jamaica, found it on a map, and looked at a few pre-screened pictures of Jamaica paired to music that I found on You Tube. Our favorite was this six minute clip of Jamaican images set to music. The kids were dancing all over the place…LOL

The recipes from Mother Goose Time are always simple and straightforward. This rice and beans recipe called for rice, water, kidney beans, and some spices. Only one ingredient was needed that I don’t typically have in my kitchen. 

Each step of the recipe is numbered big and bright. Ladybug has her numbers down, so she is excellent at figuring out what step comes next. The pictures make it so easy for here to keep track of where we are in the process and she often uses these cards to show her Daddy what she made when he gets home from work. Win!

The ingredients are typically things I have on hand. This month was unusual, but for a good reason since it included coconut water. It was a novel ingredient that the kids loved tasting and exploring. Ladybug was Not a fan, but her little brother, Owl asked for more and more and then we had to stop so there would be enough left for the meal.

Owl is just starting to get to do some “real cooking” in the kitchen and these recipes are a great first step. The ingredient lists are typically safe for my kids and I don’t have to worry too much when fingers end up in their mouth or eyes; no raw eggs or peppers that might burn. Children who have allergies to certain foods might need some substitutions for some of the ingredients. 

Cooking with kids can be fun, but it’s always a bit messy. I’m secretly hoping all the efforts put into letting them become little expert cooks will end with breakfast in bed on a Mother’s Day sometime soon. Until then, I’m happy to enlist some help from my mother when helping two children at once in the kitchen.

Having opportunities for the kids to learn alongside family members (other than Mom all the time) is one of my favorite benefits of these simple recipes from Mother Goose Time. Finding something family members like Dad or Grandma enjoy doing and then inviting them to share those gifts with the kids is awesome! Grandma is great in the kitchen and loves helping the kids explore new foods and recipes. I love watching my kids create these great memories with my mom!

We had a blast learning about Jamaica and cooking up this rice and beans dish! We are always sharing our adventures with our Mother Goose Time curriculum on Facebook and Instagram and would love for you to join us! 

What wonderful recipes have you found that work great with kids?

I’m always looking for new and fun ones to try!

Our global friend friend from Jamaica and her recipe were graciously provided as part of our Mother Goose Time curriculum in exchange for sharing our experience with the materials.

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