 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
JrChefsofAmerica
Common Sense Media says
Healthy recipes and tips for would-be kid cooks.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this site is home to an online cooking show for kids. The site's goal is to promote kids getting into the kitchen and cooking, as well as making healthier eating choices; there's also a focus on kitchen safety. The site doesn't have any advertising or outside links, and the content is age appropriate for tweens and up.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to follow recipes and prepare the foods that are part of a healthy, balanced diet. Kids are also introduced to cooking-related terms, good preparation habits, and food safety. The recipes help kids practice measurements and ratios, while resources, including ingredient substitutions and how-to videos, help to build kids' confidence in the kitchen. Jr. Chefs of America is a great, kid-centric introduction to the art of preparing delicious, healthy food.
Subjects
- Language & Readingvocabulary
- Mathmeasurement, ratio
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts
- Hobbiescooking
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
- Creativitymaking new creations, producing new content
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitnessbalanced diet
What's it about?
Visitors to JRCHEFSOFAMERICA.COM will find a series of webisodes showing young chefs making their favorite meals, in addition to lists of categorized recipes and other food-related information. In addition to a video demonstration, each recipe features ingredient and equipment lists and a downloadable pdf with complete instructions. Kids can submit their own videos to be included (a release signed by kids' legal guardian is required).
Is it any good?
The young chefs are poised and confident, making it easy for kids to believe that cooking is something they can do, too. And, while the featured recipes are a pretty predictable selection of kid favorites -- like mac and cheese, pizza, and hamburgers -- the home-cooked choices are much more nutritious than the fast-food versions kids might want if they were eating out.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the media's role in promoting healthy eating habits. Can you think of other Web sites or TV shows that have similar messages to those you find here?
Do you think getting kids interested in cooking makes them less likely to eat fast food? Also, if you were to submit a video to be featured on this site, what would you make?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to follow recipes and prepare the foods that are part of a healthy, balanced diet. Kids are also introduced to cooking-related terms, good preparation habits, and food safety. The recipes help kids practice measurements and ratios, while resources, including ingredient substitutions and how-to videos, help to build kids' confidence in the kitchen. Jr. Chefs of America is a great, kid-centric introduction to the art of preparing delicious, healthy food.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: vocabulary
- Math: measurement, ratio
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies: cooking
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning:
- Creativity: making new creations, producing new content
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness: balanced diet
How kids will learn
Kids learn through watching fun instructional cooking videos made by and starring other kids and by trying out the recipes for themselves. Kids also learn by reading the relevant kitchen safety and nutrition tips, and exploring resources that can help them understand what skills, tools, and information it takes to cook healthy food safely. This site empowers kids by letting them choose recipes and create them in their real-life kitchen, and recommends extension activities such as real-world cooking classes for kids.
How parents can help
- Pick one day a month where the kids cook for you! Help them choose a recipe, then go to the grocery store together for ingredients. Assist as needed in the kitchen.
- If your kid is interested in creating a video of a family recipe to send to the site, be their videographer; don't forget to fill out the permission form.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent of 7 and 13 year old
November 3, 2010
AGE
JUNIOR CHEFS OF AMERICA TEACHES YOUR KIDS TO COOK!
The Jr. Chef cooking videos are well-produced. Very kid-friendly and safety conscious. The featured recipes are excellent choices for young chefs - all American food favorites that are easy to make and delicious to eat. The overall website is informational with content geared to aspiring young chefs of all ages.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Genre: | Creating |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
