Class Recipe Book
To develop non-fiction writing through creating a class recipe book from cooking activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Writes ingredient list
- Sequences method steps
- Uses imperative verbs
- Creates non-fiction text
Materials
- Recipe template pages
- Photos from cooking
- Pencils and crayons
- Ring binder for class book
Instructions
After each cooking activity, create a recipe page together. 'We made banana muffins! Let's write the recipe so we can make them again. What did we need? Bananas, flour, eggs, sugar...'
Model recipe writing format: 'First we list what we need — that's called 'ingredients'. Then we write what we do — that's called 'method'. Step 1: Mash the bananas. Step 2: Mix the flour.'
Children draw and write their own version of the recipe. Some will draw pictures of ingredients, some will attempt to write words. Both approaches create a valid recipe.
Compile into a class recipe book. 'This is OUR cookbook! We made it! We can use it to cook our favourite recipes again.'
The recipe format teaches a specific non-fiction text type: lists, numbered steps, imperative verbs. This explicit text-type teaching builds writing repertoire.
Send photocopies home. 'Here's our class recipe for cheese scones — you can make them at home with your family!' Writing that serves a real purpose motivates future writing.