This week in Design and Technology, our Year 2 children have been busy developing an important life skill: safe and effective chopping. As part of our focus on food preparation, the children practised using knives to carefully chop cucumber, building both their confidence and coordination.
Before we began, we spent time discussing kitchen safety. The children learned how to hold a knife correctly, how to position their fingers safely using the “claw grip” and “bridge hold” and why it’s important to work slowly and carefully. These foundational skills are essential not only for cooking, but also for encouraging independence and responsibility.
Once everyone felt ready, it was time to get hands-on. The classroom was filled with excitement as the children practised slicing cucumbers into different pieces. They showed great concentration and determination, taking care to apply the techniques they had learned. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow with each slice! Of course, the best part for many was tasting the cucumber afterwards!
Overall, the children did a fantastic job. They demonstrated resilience, focus and a willingness to try something new. We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to building on these skills in future lessons. On a positive note for parents, some children have even mentioned that they would like to help with cooking at home!
