Exploringmontessori

The kitchen is slowly becoming a place where my toddler can take part in small, meaningful ways. At this age it isn’t really about cooking yet — it’s about involvement, exploration and feeling included in what’s happening.

One activity he enjoys is transferring food. When I prepare vegetables, I set up a small board next to mine so he can work alongside me. As I peel or chop, I pass pieces to his board and he moves them into a bowl, a plate or the steamer. It’s a very simple task, but it gives him a clear role in the process. Of course, there is always a bit of tasting along the way.

We also use fresh herbs whenever we can. He pulls the leaves off and adds them to the pan. It’s a small moment, but it helps connect the garden to the kitchen and shows him where some of our food begins.

Another thing I like to do is introduce whole vegetables or fruit that he normally only sees cut up on his plate. Something like a whole apple can be surprisingly interesting. He turns it in his hands, looks at it closely and explores it with curiosity before it eventually becomes part of the meal.

Washing vegetables has also become a favourite activity. I place a bowl of water at his height and he washes potatoes and hands them to me. It’s simple, but it allows him to take part in preparing the food.

Cleaning up is something we are still practising. When there is a small spill, I offer him a little cloth so he can help wipe the surface. At this stage it’s mostly imitation, but it begins to introduce the idea of caring for the space we work in.

We occasionally explore tools as well. I offer tongs for transferring food, although he still prefers using his hands most of the time. I also demonstrate cutting while I cook. He isn’t ready to use a knife himself yet, but watching the process helps build familiarity with what is happening.

At this age, the kitchen is less about the final meal and more about the experience of being part of it. Small tasks, small observations and small moments of participation slowly become part of our everyday rhythm.