Discusses how food preparation activities in the early childhood classroom can facilitate parent participation. Explains how cooking activities can involve reading, math, science, reading, writing, multicultural components, and creativity. They also provide opportunities to foster social skills, independence, and following directions. Suggests…

This article presents ideas for introducing multiethnic foods in the preschool classroom. American Indian, Mexican, Black American and Oriental methods of food preparation, ingredients, and recipes are presented and discussed as part of America's cultural heritage. (BD)

Describes using cooking as a vehicle for creating community among three culturally diverse classrooms of prekindergartners and third graders. Notes how the choice of corn, beans, and rice in the cooking exercise planted the roots of understanding, tolerance, and compassion, and an appreciation of diversity. (SD)

Preschools provide a large proportion of children's daily food intake. This article guides child care center staff in understanding child nutrition guidelines and translating good nutrition into meal planning. It contains resources for menu planning, cooking, and food safety and includes specific recipes, a weekly meal planner, and contacts for…